SG19: Three-cornered fight in Group B of men’s football

It is down to a three-cornered fight in Group B of the men’s football event at the SEA Games heading into the final matchday tomorrow.

In the penultimate game in the group yesterday, Indonesia were the biggest winners when they thrashed Brunei DS 8-0 as leaders Vietnam left it late before they were able to beat Singapore 1-0.

In an earlier match in the afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, defending champions Thailand had to endure some anxious moments against a dogged side from Laos before they were able to win 2-0.

But all it needed was that one lapse in concentration and who else but wonderkid Suphanat Muenta to punish Laos with two quick goals in less than three minutes.

Just before the end of regulation, a dipping shot from Suphanat gave Thailand the lead while less than three minutes into the added four minutes of extra time, saw the youngster adding to the scoreline with a quick counter attack.

In the later game of the evening at the same venue, Singapore put up some tough resistance against a confident side from Vietnam before conceding a narrow 1-0 loss.

And while Singapore managed to fend off the onslaught for much of the tie, there was no stopping Chinh Ha Duc from heading in a well played corner five minutes to the end.

Across town at the Binan Football Stadium, it was goals galore for Indonesia when they whitewashed Brunei DS 8-0.

Osvaldo Haay netted a hat trick off goals in the 11th, 45^th and 72^nd minute as Egy Maulana Vikri collected a double (41^st and 80^th) with the rest coming from Saddil Ramdani (50^th), Andy Setyo (78^th) and Witan Sulaiman (89^th).

As things stand, Laos, Singapore and Brunei DS are already out of contention for a place in the next round.

Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand all have even chances to win the two available places to the next round, depending on the outcome of the final game in the group.

Indonesia seem to have the best advantage where they will play Laos while Thailand will have to beat Vietnam by a good margin to make the semifinals.

Vietnam just need one point from their final game in the group to confirm their place as group winners. 

GROUP B Current Standings

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