VIENTIANE (12 July 2011) – Vietnam bounced back from a huge loss two days ago to record their first win of the AFF Under-16 Championship at the National Sports Complex tonight. Vietnam made up for the opening defeat by securing a precious 4-1 win over Cambodia today.
Vietnam scored once in the first half and three more after the break. Trieu Viet Hung netted a brace, one on either side of the game, while Nguyen Quang Hai and Do Duy Manh helped themselves to a goal each. Firo Fi In scored in the first half to level the score at the break.
Even with today’s win, Vietnam are still lying fourth in the standings and a long way from being in the running for a semifinal berth. After today’s Group B matches, Singapore, despite not playing, remain top with six points while Cambodia and Myanmar are second with four points each.
“It was a better performance from the players after the loss to Singapore earlier, but the goalkeeper was not very good today. He needs to be better,” added Truong Hai Tung, the team manager of Vietnam.
In an earlier match today, Myanmar edged the Philippines 2-1 to keep alive their semifinal chances.
Vietnam, who have two matches against Philippines and Myanmar to make an impact, turned up the heat against Cambodia and deservingly walked away with full points tonight.
Vietnam drew first blood on the half hour mark. After several misses, Trieu Viet Hung made sure his close range shot found reached its intended target. Pham Duc Anh had worked his way into the box before setting up Viet Hung.
It was Vietnam for much of the game until the 34th minute when Firo Fi In latched on to a long cross and accurately fired it in. Four minutes later, Huynh Hoang Khanh was pulling his hair in frustration after a close call.
Duc Anh could have handed his team the lead but his stinging shot from the left slipped inches over the crossbar.
After the break especially towards the end of the game, Vietnam pressured their opponents into submission and were justly rewarded with the goals. They picked up a second in the 59th minute through Nguyen Quang Hai to regain the lead.
In the last seven minutes, Vietnam struck twice through Do Duy Manh (83rd) and Viet Hung (89th) to seal a memorable victory for themselves.
<b>VIETNAM:</b>Duong Quang Tuan (GK), A San, Nguyen Duy Dien, Le Xuan Hoa, Pham Duc Anh, Do Duy Manh, Trieu Viet Hung, Dang Van Hung, Huynh Hoang Khanh, Nguyen Chi Bao (Cpt), Nguyen Quang Hai
<b>Coach: </b>Nguyen Hai Bien
<b>Goalscorers:</b> Trieu Viet Hung (30th, 89th), Nguyen Quang Hai (59th), Do Duy Manh (83rd)
<b>Yellow:</b> Nguyen Duy Dien (73rd), Nguyen Chi Bao (88th)
<b>Red:</b> nil
<b>CAMBODIA:</b>Prak Pirun (GK), Saret Krya, Kouk Sochea, Hoy Phallin (Cpt), Nub Tola, Sok Sros, Bun Chansopheak, In Vichhay, Firo Fi In, Savi Socekirin, Soeug Sophana
<b>Coach: </b>Daisuke Yoshioka
<b>Goalscorers:</b> Firo Fi In (34th)
<b>Yellow:</b> Kouk Sochea (6th), Bun Chansopheak (85th)
<b>Red:</b>
<b>MATCH OFFICIALS</b>
<b> Referee:</b> Sipaseuth Sinbandith (Lao)
<b>Assistant Referee 1: </b> Manop Pansakorn (Tha)
<b>Assistant Referee 2: </b> Edo Wiradana (Ina)
<b>Fourth Official: </b> U Win Htut (Mya)
<b>Match Commissioner: </b>Yeh Htut Tin (Mya)
<b>Referee Assessor: </b>Augustine Arlando (Sin)
<b>General Coordinator: </b> U Tin Aung (Mya)
<b>Group A</b>
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | |
| LAOS | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
| THAILAND | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| MALAYSIA | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| INDONESIA | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 2 |
| TIMOR LESTE | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 1 |
<b>Group B</b>
| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS | |
| SINGAPORE | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 6 |
| MYANMAR | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| CAMBODIA | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 4 |
| VIETNAM | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 3 |
| PHILIPPINES | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 9 | -7 | 0 |
