Vietnam step up at ASEAN U-13 tourney

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam 1 edged Thailand 2-1 in the opener of group A
at the ASEAN U-13 Football Championship at Da Nang 's Chi Lang Stadium on
August 4.

Meanwhile, defending champion Phu Yen were defeated 0-1 by visitors
Malaysia in group B.

Taking advantage of home support, Viet Nguyen opened the score for
Vietnam 1 just seven minutes into the game with a close shot.

Thailand were faulty in defence against Vietnam 's stormy offensive
style in the first half.

Pitayut Ausvirong fouled a Vietnamese striker in penalty area and captain
Phan Thanh took advantage, netting the ball and making the score 2-0.

In second half, Thailand regrouped their squad and went on the attack,
Pitayut, who made the mistake in the first half, found the net for
Thailand to narrow the score, But Vietnam 1 rebounded to defend their
lead.

The win put Vietnam 1 at the top of group A with three points. Their
hopes of sustaining the top and a berth in the final depends on a second win
in the upcoming clash with Singapore .

The tournament has six teams competing in a round robin: Thailand ,
Singapore and Vietnam 1 in group A; Malaysia , Indonesia and Phu Yen
in group B. The top two of each group will go head-to-head for the gold,
while the two runners-up will battle for bronze on Sunday.-