Thailand ends Vietnam’s winning streak at SEA Games

Vietnam’s Phi Son (20) vies for the ball with three Thailand players. Photo: Ngo Nguyen

Thailand defeated Vietnam 3-1 in a Group B match at the 28th Southeast Asian Games men’s football on Wednesday, despite both teams had booked their tickets to the semifinals.

Vietnam had a chance to take an early lead in the 12th minute after a Thai defender blocked a pass with his arm. However, Kuwait referee Yousef Al-Marzouq rejected a penalty.

In the 23rd minute, Pakom scored a goal for Vietnam after passing a weak defense by Vietnam.

In the 61st minute, Tien Dung brought down a Thai striker in the box and Puangjan was successful with his penalty kick.

In the 77th minute, Vietnamese Thai Tristan Do scored the third goal for Thailand. Again, weak defense by Vietnam was blamed for the losing goal.

Vietnam team’s Coach Toshiya Miura sent striker Cong Phuong to the field in the 78th minute to draw Thailand’s defense.

In the last minute of the match, Thanh Binh had a close distance volley to score the only goal for Vietnam in the match. It was also the first goal against Thailand so far in the Games.

Before the match, Thailand’s Coach Kiatisak had said that his team will not lose to Vietnam, despite both teams already won tickets to the semis.

“The match against Vietnam will be very important because two teams are likely to meet against in the final. I want to defeat them to see who is the number 1 team in the Southeast Asia.”

In the semifinals on June 13, Vietnam will play against Myanmar while Thailand will play against either Singapore or Indonesia.

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