Vietnam’s Under-23 squad came back from a goal down to beat Singapore 4-1 in the men’s football semifinals at the South East Asian Games in Laos on Monday.

But Singapore’s counterattack strategy converted a good chance midway through the first half, before the Vietnamese were able to put a ball in the rivals’ net.

However, the Vietnamese spirit didn’t sink an inch after conceding the goal. On the contrary, relentless attacks lead to an equalizer five minutes later when striker Phan Thanh Binh headed home a Thanh Hung free kick from the left flank.

Vietnam kept the pressure one and took the lead three minutes before the break when left-winger Mai Tien Thanh converted a brilliant pass from midfielder Thanh Hung and into a powerful strike that ended up in the back of Singapore’s net.

Vietnam had two more goals in the second half to book a berth in the event’s final match.

In the other semifinal game, Malaysia took a 3-1 victory over hosts Laos to set up a clash with Vietnam in the finals on Thursday for the championship.

In the group stage, Vietnam beat Malaysia 3-1 last Sunday (December 6). Vietnamese fans hope the young players stage a repeat to earn their long-expected SEA Games championship

The 25^th SEA Games began December 9 and will continue till December 18.

Source: Thanh Nien