It was the second time Vietnam have defeated Thai rivals in a week after the U23
squad secured a 4-0 victory over Thailand in Group K of the Asian U23
Championship qualifiers.
Thailand started the game well, clearly irked by the country’s earlier defeat,
but with great support behind them, Vietnam defended well and managed to take
control of the game during the first half.
Vietnam finally broke the deadlock in the 6th minute. Long Nhat’s long ball put
Tao through on goal and he rounded Rakyart in the Thai goal to coolly finish
into an empty net.
Tao, who finished the tournament joint lead scorer and most valuable player,
thought he had doubled Vietnam’s lead in the 75th minute but his effort was
judged offside.
As the clocked ticked, Thailand did have chances to get back into the game but
were denied by the woodwork and brilliance of Vietnamese keeper Quan Van Chuan,
who was named goalkeeper of the tournament.
As well as lifting the trophy, Vietnam also picked up the Fair Play award.
In the third-place match, China beat 10-man Myanmar 3-2 to grab the bronze
medal.
Source: VNA