Vietnam turned up the heat on an extremely hot day to whip 10-man Singapore 6-0 in an AFF Under-19 Championship Group B match to enhance their chances of advancing to the last four.
With the temperature breaching 34 degrees at the National Sports Complex Stadium this afternoon, the Vietnam players appeared to have no problems adapting. They soon launched into attacking mode and struck the opener after only 18 minutes.
Although Vietnam have seven points and top the group by virtue of a better goal difference with Malaysia, who also have as many points, they need to wait for the outcome of the remaining matches to be sure of their place in the last four.
On paper, Myanmar are still in with a chance and their next match against Malaysia later this evening will have a bearing on their hopes.
Vietnam, who had defeated Timor Leste and drew with Malaysia in their earlier matches, blasted three goals in each half to secure their second win, which incidentally is the biggest margin of victory here thus far. Vietnam have one last game against Myanmar on Mondaywhich could decide their final position in the group.
In today’s match, referee Xaypaseuth Phongsanit was kept busy trying to manage the game. In addition to the red card handed out to Muhammad Shah Zulkarnaen in the 90th minute, he also flashed five yellow cards today – three at Vietnam and two at Singapore.
Vietnam got their scoring act on the road in the 18th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Muhammad Zulkhair brought down the nippy Ho Minh Di in the box. Ha Duc Chinh sent a low shot to the right but keeper Muhammad Zharfan went the other way.
Their confidence boosted by the goal, the Vietnam players charged forward and reeled n five more goals before the end of the game. Nguyen Tien Linh scored twice in the 45th and 90th minutes while Minh Di (32nd), Pham Trong Hoa (64th) and Truong Tien Anh (79th) netted the other goals.
For Singapore, the defeat today was their third in a row. They have one more game remaining against Timor Leste on Monday, however, they will be without the services of the red-carded Muhammad Shah and Jordan Chan, who picked up a second booking today.
TODAY’S RESULTS
Group B
Singapore 0 Vietnam 6
7.00pm: Malaysia vs Myanmar
REMAINING FIXTURES
Aug 30 (Group A)
4.00pm: Thailand vs Cambodia
7.00pm: Laos vs Philippines
Aug 31 (Group B)
4.00pm: Timor Leste vs Singapore
7.00pm: Myanmar vs Vietnam
Note: For full fixtures and details, please go to www.aseanfootball.org
