Dinh Tung (9) celebrates his equaliser.
Photo: Vietnamnet

Nhan Dan Online- Vietnam’s U-23 team came back from behind to draw 1-1 with arch-rivals Thailand in a very attractive and thrilling opening match of the 25th SEA Games at Laos national stadium today.

With the support of many Vietnamese and Lao fans, Vietnam started the game confidently but Thailand had some opportunities to score in the first minutes.

In the 5th minute Arthit’s strike was wide of the left post. Six minutes later Dangda headed wide of the post from Arthit’s corner kick. In the 24th minute Arthit shot over the crossbar.

Then it was Vietnam’s turn to attack. In the 37th minute Thanh Hung fired wide of the Thai post. Three minutes later Thanh Binh had one-on-one with goalkeeper Kawin but failed to convert the chance into goal. In the first half, goalkeeper Tan Truong played well, blocking several high-balls and shots from Thailand’s side.

After the break, Tan Truong saved Keerati’s shot in the 47th minute and his header in the 54th minute. In the 54th minute, Soleb shot over the crossbar from a very close range. In a counter attack substitute Dinh Tung fired over the crossbar in the 64th minute.

Vietnam (white) have a difficult game with Thailand (blue).
Photo; Vietnamnet

In the 71st minute, Keerati helped Thailand take the lead when he used keeper Tan Truong ‘s mistake to scored the opener. From this moment, Vietnam produced attack after attack to level the score and their efforts paid off. In the 89th minute, Dinh Tung scored the equaliser for Vietnam from a penalty spot and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Earning one point in the much awaited opening match with powerhouse Thailand is a good result for Vietnam. It encourages coach Calisto’s young players to perform better in the next matches at the 25th SEA Games.

Earlier, in Group A Malaysia beat East Timor 11-0. 

Duy Thinh