Myanmar hold Vietnam to a draw in Suzuki Cup opener

Vietnam and Myanmar played to a 1-1 draw in the first game of the 2012 Suzuki Cup, Saturday at the Rajamangala Stadium in Thailand. In front of a sparse but noisy crowd, the match was first delayed due to frequent blackouts caused by rain and lightning.

When the game did get started the pitch had suffered a bit and was patchy. Both teams took a while to get into the game and adapt to the conditions before Vietnam opened the scoring through Le Tan Tai’s header in the 35th minute.

Vietnam continued to control the game in the first half but couldn’t add to their lead. The halftime break came as a welcome relief for Myanmar. Vietnam could have doubled their lead after the break as Nguyen Trong Hoang played a nice one-two and beat his man before picking out a teammate in the area. But he could only flash wide from inside the area.

Vietnam came to rue the missed opportunity as a minute later Myanmar sent the ball over the top for Kyi Lin, who proved a handful all day, and he drew a foul from inside the area. Yan Aung Kyaw stepped up and drove the ball to his left. The goalkeeper got a hand to the penalty but couldn’t keep it out and Myanmar drew level.

Vietnam could have taken the lead in the 70th minute as Huynh Quoc Anh struck from distance, but his effort from 25 yards dipped onto the bar and bounced out. Myanmar countered soon after and with Kyi Lin chasing another ball over the top he almost made them pay as he got one on one with the keeper. Duong Hong Son, in goal for Vietnam, made himself big and managed to block the shot up high, keeping his side in the game.

Kyi Lin had the chances to win the game for Myanmar later but he proved too greedy in the next chance, not passing to the open man on his right, before shooting just wide in the 80th minute.

Vietnam pressed and were relentless in the last few minutes, winning several corners, free-kicks, and trying to break down the Burmese defense. But it proved too little, too late as they had to settle for a draw.

Slow start to the Suzuki Cup

The draw proved to be a slow start to the competition as neither team looked particularly impressive. Vietnam looked to be in control but gave away needless free-kicks against a side which easily went to ground.

The good news for the Philippines will be that both Vietnam and Myanmar only take a point away from the game. Both sides also look beatable with a high tempo and constant pressure, neither team looking clinical or creating too many chances in the game. Both goals came from set pieces and the Azkals will have a chance against either side – provided they watch out for the counterattack.

Vietnam will be looking to bounce back against the Philippines in their next match, with the Azkals up against Thailand next. After tying the number one ranked nation in South East Asia at the moment, Myanmar have proven they are dark horses to qualify as they look to do what the Azkals did in 2010. Their next test will be against Thailand. Both games will be on November 27.  - AMD, GMA News