SEA Games football: Invincible Vietnam clinch resounding win

Sunday’s end-to-end match for the SEA Games 31 golds between Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand and hosts Vietnam totally satisfied dozens of millions of Vietnamese fans, as the defending champions won 1-0.

The capacity crowd at the 40,000-seat My Dinh national stadium in Hanoi excitingly sang and cheered during the final as both teams constantly attacked each other, delivering continual chances but both keepers, Vietnam’s Nguyen Van Toan and Thai captain Kawin managed to deny them.

Both sides, the “Golden Stars” coached by South Korean Park Hang Seo and the “War Elephants” managed by Brazilian Alexandre Polking, persistently took bold risks in the life-and-death match, but no goals were scored until the late minutes.

Left-winger Phan Tuan Tai, in the 84th minute, appeared from nowhere and sent a pass to striker Nham Manh Dung inside the Thai box. Dung’s header hit the bar and found the net despite Kawin’s efforts.

The hosts defended their SEA Games championship with five wins and one draw, completing their campaign as the "Invincibles".

In the bronze medal match just before the final, Malaysia lost 3-4 to Indonesia via penalty shootout as they drew 1-1 in regulation time.

Both sides took turns creating several chances during the game but none were converted in the first half. Ronaldo Junior then put Indonesia ahead in the 68th minute. Twelve minutes later, forward Abdul Razak equalized for Malaysia.

In the penalty shootout, Indonesian keeper Ernando Ari saved twice while his teammates missed just one as Asnawi Bahar hit the bar. Indonesia, coached by South Korean Shin Tae Yong, secured the bronze medals.

The men's football tournament at the SEA Games was for U23 players.

On Saturday, the women's football team of Vietnam also beat Thailand 1-0 in the women's final to take the gold medals.