Viet Nam and Thailand shared the points in the first game of the SEA Games’ group stage after a 1-1 draw yesterday, December 2, at the Laos’ National Stadium in Vientiane.

Stalemate: Vietnamese forward Phan Thanh Binh (right) vies for the ball with Thai player Pyiachart Thamaphan during their SEA Games’ group round match which ended in a draw. (Photo: VNS)

It is the third draw between the two sides in qualifiers since the 19th SEA Games in 1999, however Thailand emerged victorious after they met in the final in 1999 and 2003.

Thailand oozed confidence and all their work at the training ground was paying off.

The champions dominated from the start with consecutive attacks and created their first chance in the 5th minute when Arthit Sunthornphit’s nearly scored.

The Thai side was physically superior and used their advantage by sending high balls to test keeper Bui Tan Truong but the 1.84m-tall Truong was not easily shaken. The tallest Vietnamese goalie in history blocked everything, although he admitted that Thailand’s high balls were difficult to deal with.

In the next match tomorrow, Viet Nam will face Malaysia. (Photo: VNN)

Coach Henrique Calisto of Viet Nam decided to replace Binh in the second half with Hoang Dinh Tung. He also strengthened Viet Nam’s line-up with the introduction of Tran Manh Dung in the forward line and Nguyen Quy Suu who took responsibility for the midfield.

The Portuguese’s changes were effective as the new players limited Thailand’s opportunities to a close-range tap by Sompong Soleb just 5m from the net.

Goalie Truong who played well for most of the match was at fault in the 72nd minute when Keerati Keawsombut pounced on a ball that rebounded off Truong.

The set back did not discourage the Vietnamese although time was running out. They pushed forwards forcing Thailand to work very hard to resist consecutive attacks. The levelling goal came from a rapid counter-attack.

Captain Pham Thanh Luong was fouled inside the area and Viet Nam were awarded a penalty which was converted to goal by substitute Tung. Tung sent 19-year-old keeper Kawin Thamsatchannan the wrong way with a shot to the left corner.

“It is a good result for Viet Nam,” said coach Mai Duc Chung from the Viet Nam Football Federation.

“They defended well against Thailand’s high balls and taller players. But it is better for them if they can limit Thai chances and take their own in the next match (if possible). Now I believe that Thailand are not that big a threat,” Chung added.

In the next match tomorrow, Viet Nam will face Malaysia who defeated East Timor 11-0 in the earlier game yesterday.

Meanwhile Thailand will play Cambodia.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News