Singapore 1-1 Vietnam

In a high paced encounter between group underdogs Singapore and the tireless Vietnamese, both teams were left to share the spoils as a crowd of approximately 50,000 (I exaggerate slightly) bore witness to a hard fought match at the Petronas Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

With lightning pace and endless energy, the Vietamese dominated possession and weaved through the midfield with nifty passes and intelligent runs throughout the first half. This led to several scoring opportunities which the strikers wastefully failed to capitalise on.

The Singapore boys, apparently less adept to the high tempo game as their counterparts, were left breathless and constantly on the defence. In spite of this, the physical presence and robust nature of the boys from south of the causeway led to several scoring opportunities from set pieces and high lofted balls. In one such incident, Ram Shanker connected with a curling ball from the right to put the ball into the net, only to have the goal disallowed pursuant to a dubious offside call by the assistant referee.

In the closing stages of the first half, a failed cross from the right by the Vietnamese was not cleared sufficiently to safety. A resulting shot from distance found the back of the Singapore net - first blood by the Viets.

The second half saw a more mature display by the Singapore boys. In spite of injury to Jerry, the team held firm to pursue a more attacking strategy. Another couple of substitutions and a tactical reshuffle saw Gerald spearheading the attack, with only 3 defenders holding fort at the back. This proved to be a truly wise gamble.

Substitute Khai, bursting with energy, tore down the right flank and sent a low hard cross into the box. With defenders lunging in for the challenge, Gerald fought off the stubborn Vietnamese to connect sweetly into the near post.

With the scores level at 1-1 in the 86th minute, the Vietnamese hopes for a semifinal place were cast a severe blow. Late attempts at the Singapore fortress proved futile, as the game ended all square.

Man of the Match: Gerald
Save of the Day: Last ditch tackle by Jerome in the 6 yard box to foil what would have been a sure lead to the Vietnamese
Toyota Play of the Day: Jonathan's glorious diving/kneeling/acrobatic headers (or lack thereof) which excited all 50,000 at the Petronas Stadium, including opposing Indonesian players