SURABAYA (12 Sept 2013) – Nguyen Phong Hong Duy popped in the winner against Malaysia at the Gelora Delta Sidoarjo this evening to help Vietnam edge closer to the semifinals of the AFF Under-19 Championhip.
Hong Duy’s solitary strike lifted Vietnam to the top of the Group B standings with a maximum of six points from two straight wins. However, Indonesia, who will play Myanmar at the Petrokimia Gresik Stadium later tonight could regain the lead if they walk away victorious. Malaysia have one point from their opening draw against Myanmar.
Vietnam, who had stunned Thailand in a thriller two days ago, were made to sweat by a spirited Malaysian side today. The Vietnamese were quick and skillful and the Malaysians did their best trying to put the brakes on the speedy strikers, in particular Nguyen Cong Phuong and Nguyen Van Toan. The duo have impressed and will play the starring roles in Vietnam’s next battle against Indonesia in two days.
“My players were a little scared at the beginning but they found their way back. Its two wins now and we must continue to press on. The next game against Indonesia will be the best game. They have good technique and speed, similar to Vietnam, it will an exciting game,” said Vietnam’s French coach Grachen Guillaume, who added that playing games at a high level every two days was difficult for the players.
Malaysian coach Aminuddin Hussin commented that his team was not out despite today’s loss. “We gave them the room and ended up paying the price. But it’s not yet over, we still have a chance of making the cut. But now we have to do it the hard way.”
The Malaysians had given a good account of themselves and had in fact created numerous chances throughout the game. With ten minutes on the clock, the game looked like it was heading for a draw until Hong Duy blasted the only goal of the game. Cong Phuong danced his was towards the goal and smashed his shot, to his dismay it came off the keeper. But a defender’s weak clearance landed at the feet of Hong Duy.
RESULT – Group B
Vietnam 1 Malaysia 0
