VietNamNet Bridge - Hosts Vietnam won the first U-21 international football contest, sponsored by Thanh Nien newspaper, after a 1-0 victory over Thailand on October 28.

Skipper Nguyen Quang Hai scored the winner to secure the hosts’ three consecutive wins.

Earlier, Vietnam beat Myanmar 2-0 and Singapore 3-0 and only needed a draw with Thailand to take the title.

Coach Dinh Van Dung made no changes to the squad which beat Myanmar and Singapore in two previous games.   

The hosts started the game in aggressive fashion and created a good chance to open the scoring on five minutes. Hoang Van Binh broke into the box but he was denied by Samuel Por Cunningham, who was eventually the tournament’s best goalie.

The Thai keeper did well to minutes later to save Quang Hai’s attempt in a one-on-one.

Just before half time, it was Cunningham again to deny the hosts, turning Hong Viet’s 20 metre freekick away.

The hosts broke the deadlock five minutes after the hour mark. Trong Hoang’s fine cross set up Dinh Hiep to score, but his header was blocked by Cunningham, who failed to prevent Quang Hai from slotting the rebound into the net.

The Thai side came closest eight minutes from time as they were denied by the woodwork.

Winning the tournament, the Vietnam under-21 team were awarded US $8,000. The minister of culture, sports and tourism, awarded them VND 30 million.

In an earlier match, Singapore beat Myanmar 2-1 to finish third.

The tournament’s results are as follows:

Winners: Vietnam with a bonus of US $8,000

Runners-up: Thailand (US $5,000)

Third-placed: Singapore (US $3,000)

Top scorer: Nguyen Dinh Hiep (Vietnam with four goal – US $500)

Best goalkeeper: Samuel Por Cunningham (Thailand – US $500)

Player of the Tournament: Nguyen Quang Hai (US $500)

Fair play prize winners: Myanmar (US $2,000)

(Source: Nhan Dan)