ID :
36371
Thu, 12/18/2008 - 22:51
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http://m.oananews.org//node/36371
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Football: Singapore ties VN at Suzuki semi-finals
Hanoi (VNA) - Defending champions Singapore tied host Vietnam nil-nil in the
AFF Suzuki Cup's semi-final first leg match on Dec. 17 at Hanoi 's My Dinh
Stadium.
This gives Singapore a small advantage when they return home to play on their
own ground.
It was the third straight draw between the two sides, including two friendly
practice matches last month.
With their home advantage, Vietnam received great encouragement and support
from thousands of fans who filled the 50,000-seat stadium - and set out to
dominate.
Halfback Le Tan Tai warmed up with a header in the second minute which went over
the bar.
At the 18 th minute, midfielder Nguyen Vu Phong gave a smart pass to striker
Nguyen Viet Thang to the right wing, who then faced Singaporean keeper Lionel
Lewis. But it was not Thang's lucky day. The ball hit a goal post.
The miss heightened the push by the hosts, whose captain, Phan Van Tai Em,
sprinted from midfield to take part in another attack three minutes later.
Tai Em chose the right place to catch a high ball from a free kick, jumped up to
nod but his 10m attempt went wide.
Viet Thang missed his second chance. After a solo performance, Thang freely
entered the penalty area and faced Lewis, who had to work very hard but was
supported by luck. Thang's shot missed goal by a hair's breadth.
In the second half, Singapore stopped playing defensively and moved to the
attack. The team, with many members imported from China , England and Nigeria
, kept Vietnamese players on the run.
At the 73 rd , Casmir received a ball after a miss by Nhu Thanh near the box. The
Nigerian born player rapidly ran in to face goalie Son, but fortunately defender
Phuoc Tu got home in time to kick it away.
One minute later, Tu scored what appeared to be an own goal trying to save his
net. But while Singapore players were celebrating, a referee assistant raised
the flag to show that one of them was in offside position.
The last 15 minutes were the hardest for Vietnam in the tournament. They had
to stretch their power to resist Singapore 's assaults, using high balls to
hunt for a goal.
The away-ground draw seemed to satisfy Avramovic. He and his team will enjoy
home-ground in the return match in Singapore on Dec. 21.-Enditem
AFF Suzuki Cup's semi-final first leg match on Dec. 17 at Hanoi 's My Dinh
Stadium.
This gives Singapore a small advantage when they return home to play on their
own ground.
It was the third straight draw between the two sides, including two friendly
practice matches last month.
With their home advantage, Vietnam received great encouragement and support
from thousands of fans who filled the 50,000-seat stadium - and set out to
dominate.
Halfback Le Tan Tai warmed up with a header in the second minute which went over
the bar.
At the 18 th minute, midfielder Nguyen Vu Phong gave a smart pass to striker
Nguyen Viet Thang to the right wing, who then faced Singaporean keeper Lionel
Lewis. But it was not Thang's lucky day. The ball hit a goal post.
The miss heightened the push by the hosts, whose captain, Phan Van Tai Em,
sprinted from midfield to take part in another attack three minutes later.
Tai Em chose the right place to catch a high ball from a free kick, jumped up to
nod but his 10m attempt went wide.
Viet Thang missed his second chance. After a solo performance, Thang freely
entered the penalty area and faced Lewis, who had to work very hard but was
supported by luck. Thang's shot missed goal by a hair's breadth.
In the second half, Singapore stopped playing defensively and moved to the
attack. The team, with many members imported from China , England and Nigeria
, kept Vietnamese players on the run.
At the 73 rd , Casmir received a ball after a miss by Nhu Thanh near the box. The
Nigerian born player rapidly ran in to face goalie Son, but fortunately defender
Phuoc Tu got home in time to kick it away.
One minute later, Tu scored what appeared to be an own goal trying to save his
net. But while Singapore players were celebrating, a referee assistant raised
the flag to show that one of them was in offside position.
The last 15 minutes were the hardest for Vietnam in the tournament. They had
to stretch their power to resist Singapore 's assaults, using high balls to
hunt for a goal.
The away-ground draw seemed to satisfy Avramovic. He and his team will enjoy
home-ground in the return match in Singapore on Dec. 21.-Enditem
