VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam tied with Singapore in a goal-free friendly match under rain at Ha Noi’s My Dinh National Stadium last night.

Defender Le Phuoc Tu (Red). Vietnamese players tried to set up domination of Singapore, one of their most difficult rivals. (Photo: VNN)

Although both coaches told a press conference on Monday that they would play in attack, little happened. The rain, which started after the first 15 minutes, probably contributed to this.

Vietnamese players tried to set up domination of Singapore, one of their most difficult rivals.

Facing players with better body form and height, the host team was told to use small-distance passes to bring their technical skills into play. However, the tactic failed.

High and long balls were then used as Viet Nam hoped to beat their rivals with headers. However, tall Singapore defenders had no difficulty blocking their efforts. It seemed like the Vietnamese took the match as a chance to practise shooting only.

It was also a match for Viet Nam’s Portuguese coach, Henrique Calisto, to test some new faces, including Doan Viet Cuong and Quang Cuong.

Viet Nam’s best player of the year, Le Cong Vinh, had some chances to change the situation as he received balls near the penalty box. The slippery field made his kicks inaccurate.

Veteran striker Thach Bao Khanh also failed to convert his opportunities and he was replaced early in the second half.

Defender Le Phuoc Tu, who was injured before the game, received a ball from Vinh’s comer kick. He jumped up and headed, but it was not strong enough to beat Singapore goalkeeper Lewis Lionel.

Singapore also had a chance to score a goal. However, the team which has imported several foreigners, also missed.

It was the tenth time the two rivals have faced each other and the fourth time they had a drawn result. In other matches, Viet Nam won four and lost two.

The two sides will meet again next month in a return match in Singapore.

(Source: Viet Nam News)