Thailand’s U.21 team Wednesday came from a goal behind to win 2-1 over host team Vietnam in the 2nd International U.21 Football Tournament Thanh Nien Cup 2008 at Tu Do Stadium in central Hue city Town.

With a goal difference advantage, Thailand only needed a draw to stay atop Group A above second-placed Vietnam and so avoid a semifinal meeting with mighty Iran.

Iran is leading Group B with two wins over Singapore and Myanmar.

The young Vietnamese players started the match, displaying their hunger for a win.

Eight minutes into the match, striker Duc Thien scored.

The lead made the Vietnamese players feel more confident, but in extra time of the first half the Thai team got back when Yodrak Namueangrak scored an equalizer.

That was enough for the Thai side, but the Vietnamese players needed a win.

They launched relentless attacks in the second half with more scoring chances than the Thais, but failed to convert.

The young Thai team rubbed salt into the wound when Norawich Kaikaew of Thailand put his team ahead with a header just six meters from the wood.

Vietnam fought back even more fiercely; but they were too eager to make clear scoring chances, while Thailand kept the match under control until the final whistle.

In the later Group B match, Singapore made a surprise advance to the semis with a 1-0 victory over Myanmar.

With a goal difference advantage, Myanmar’s U.21 team only needed a draw to secure a semis spot.

They started fast and confidently and took control of the match for the full 45 minutes of the first half.

Better in strength and skills, Myanmar’s team head coach Sann Win’s players put the Singaporean opponents under constant pressure but couldn’t score.

It looked like Myanmar would continue to dominate and hold their advantage in the second half.

Yet a shock 49th minute goal by Singaporean Hasbiallah put his team ahead with a cross from the left flank that sent the ball looping over Myanmar’s goalkeeper Si Thu into the back of the net.

The goal pepped up the Singaporean players and they almost doubled the score in a penalty kick in the 69th minute.

Bin Nasir was unlucky not to score.

Yet a goal was enough for coach Thambiayah and the Singaporean team booked a berth in the semifinals.

Singapore in second place of Group B will encounter Group A’s first placed Thailand, while Iran, atop Group B, will battle it out with Vietnam in the semis before Sunday’s final.

Reported by Huu Tho-Giang Lao

Thailand’s Yodrak Namueangrak (C) celebrates after scoring the equalizer for his team in Wednesday’s group stage match against Vietnam