Indonesia beats Vietnam in SEA Games semifinals

Vietnamese under-23 footballers (L) dejected after losing to SEA Games hosts Indonesia in the semis on Saturday

Vietnam lost 0-2 to hosts Indonesia in the football semifinals of the South East Asian Games at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts launched lots of attacks and looked better throughout the game while the Vietnamese U23 team fought hard but could not create many clear chances.

Speaking after the match, Vietnam’s coach Falko Goetz said, “It was an extremely hard game for us. In addition to the advantage of the home ground, Indonesia has a pretty good squad. It was reasonable for Vietnam to play counterattack.

“I had no complaint about the first goal [from a free kick] but the Vietnamese goalkeeper made a mistake in the second goal. Yet we need to understand that Buu Ngoc [the Vietnamese goalie] was playing with some injury and he had to try very hard to play.

“Anyway, I should congratulate Indonesia on a good game... Now Vietnam will do the best to win the third place play-off match against Myanmar [who lost 0-1 to reigning champs Malaysia in the other semifinal match].”

Indonesia’s U23 team coach Rahmad Darmawan said, “We studied the Vietnamese way of playing very well. They play fast and strategically. That was why we had to play fast from the beginning to put pressure on them; and we were successful with that strategy. We deserved to win the game.”

Video by youtube.com

By Thanh Thao-Giang Lao, Thanh Nien News

watch U23 Viet Nam vs U23 Myanmar live

16h ( GMT +07:00 ) watch U23 Viet Nam vs U23 Myanmar live
There will be 12 players to play in the playground last SEA Games. The match ended on the 26th SEA Games earth Indonesia, Vietnam's opponent is not only Myanmar but also ourselves, with psychological distress following the defeat in the semifinal.

Vietnam will attend the SEA Games final without goalkeeper Ngoc Buu. This is a tremendous loss of expertise by U23 Vietnam Ngoc Buu is the heart of the defense system. falko Goetz comfort to coach the Long Giang after chronic back suspension to reinforce the defense is showing signs of fatigue after six games in 18 days. In addition, Thanh Luong's injury and he is not worrying registered competition.

The lack of force is the problem with U23 Vietnam, but the biggest problem of the psychological problems. The atmosphere was sad, bleak and covers team training session yesterday morning, Falko Goetz coach for the players played for freedom but that smile is the smile distorted. Out to the dojo, Trong Hoang sad asked: "The team is not losing any journalists to see, he anyway?". Then the fans did not get tickets Vietnam third match that record to the water again, making the player feel "abandoned, I wish all four victories and sacrifices than anyone."

"It's not easy to motivate the players during this time. All are not bored when finalists because they were expected to meet Indonesia in the final, not the semifinals. I hope the players trying to overcome personal feelings to the fullest capacity in this final battle, "admitted coach Falko Goetz.


Will not be easy for U23 Vietnam to create more opportunities in front of goal for the cold and the ability to decide flashing chance to win - defeat. Goetz falko coach and the assistant has the ability to use the player has to rest for the team to preserve the strength of an attempt to maximize physical ability disputes shadow duel.

"No one wants the third match but the bronze plate is now the highest goal and we have to fight hard because no one would leave empty-handed. All teams will try to match the end to our country in the world head high, "coach falko Goetz said.

Information around:
+ The Salary is registered to compete, Ngoc Buu injury, Long Giang back.
Vietnam Air + Myanmar 0-0 in the first round after winning 5-0 at the VFF - Eximbank Cup 2011.
+ Myanmar preserve the most powerful forces.

Teams
U23 VIETNAM: Tuan Manh; National Long, Long Giang, Thanh Hao, Xuan Hieu; Trong Hoang, Van Binh Hoang Thinh, Van Thang Van Decision, Hoang Thien.
U23 MYANMAR: Thihasthu; Hlaing Win, Zaw Tun, Aung Wiin, Zaw Oo; Lin Kyi, Aye San, Zeyar Win, Phyo Oo; Ko Ko, Min Thu.

Viet Nam haul in gold medals

Incredible hulks: Nguyen Quoc Khanh (top) performs in the men's wushu event, while weightlifter Tran Le Quoc Toan competes in the men's 56kg event at the ongoing SEA Games in Indonesia yesterday. Khanh won a silver and Toan a gold medal. — VNA/VNS Photos Quoc Khanh and Quang Nhut

HA NOI — Viet Nam did better than expected after eight days of competition at the on-going 26th SEA Games in Indonesia yesterday.

The team exceeded its target of 70 gold medals set before leaving for the tournament.

With another three nabbed yesterday in weightlifting, fencing and judo, Vietnamese athletes had taken 71 first places and stretched their lead over third-placed Thailand, on 67. Indonesia are leading with 119 golds.

"Our athletes have done their job very successfully. Fencing, swimming and especially gymnastics teams did much better than expected," said Hoang Vinh Giang, general secretary of the Viet Nam Olympics Committee.

"I really appreciate the gymnasts who won 11 out of their 14 events. I also admire 400m hurdle runner Dao Xuan Cuong who [days ago] brought Viet Nam gold in the event for the first time.

"I also admire high jumper Duong Thi Viet Anh who won despite injury," Giang said.

"I estimate that Viet Nam can harvest a total of 85 to 100 gold medals if our athletes are not pressured."

Yesterday's golds belonged to weightlifter Tran Le Quoc Toan, the women's foil team and judo artist Ho Ngan Giang.

Toan, in the men's 56kg category, passed all rivals with a total lift of 280kg, 2kg better than Indonesia's defending champion Jadi Setiadi. It was the first time in history Viet Nam took a gold in this weight category.

SEA Games Medal Tally Gold Silver Bronze 1. Indonesia 122 90 83 2. Viet Nam 71 67 68 3. Thailand 68 64 76 4. Malaysia 40 40 54 5. Singapore 32 38 61 6. Philippines 20 34 50 7. Laos 7 5 24 8. Myanmar 4 15 24 9. Cambodia 3 10 15 10. Brunei 0 1 7 11. East Timor 0 0 1 (Last update at 22pm Viet Nam time)

In previous Games in 2007 and 2009, Hoang Anh Tuan, who pocketed silver at the Olympics in Beijing, failed to conquer in the 56kg class.

Later, Nguyen Thi Nguyet, Nguyen Thi Bich, Nguyen Thi Tuoi and Ly Kieu Diem defeated Singapore 30-16 in the women's foil-team final to take the milestone 70th gold for Viet Nam.

Judoka Giang then had no difficulty in beating Hein Latt Zaw of Myanmar in the men's 60kg class.

Apart from three golds, the Vietnamese team also grabbed three silver and one bronze medal yesterday. — VNS

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Viet Nam top group, will play Indonesia in semi-finals

Past master: Nguyen Van Quyet tries to get past a Lao defender during their SEA Games group B match yesterday. Viet Nam won 3-1 to qualify for semi-finals. — VNA/VNS Photo Quoc Khanh

HA NOI — Having topped Group B, Viet Nam will play the host Indonesia in the semi-finals of the SEA Games' football tournament tomorrow in Jakarta.

Viet Nam came from behind to beat Laos 3-1 in their last group match, despite having a man sent off.

With 13 points, they top the table on goal difference ahead of Myanmar, who will take on Malaysia in the second semi-final game.

Laos took the lead in the fourth minute through Keoviengpheth, following a defensive mix up, and Viet Nam were down to 10 men 10 minutes later after defender Nguyen Thanh Long Giang was sent off. Giang will also be suspended for the semi-final.

"Giang's red card was regretable because he did not need to go in as hard as he did. He's caused a headache for coach Falko Goetz who has to find a substitute for the next game," said former national captain Nguyen Hong Son.

However the Lao side failed to take advantage, thanks to some fine work by Vietnamese goalkeeper Buu Ngoc.

SEA Games Medal Tally Gold Silver Bronze 1. Indonesia 108 80 76 2. Viet Nam 68 63 64 3. Thailand 63 58 68 4. Malaysia 37 37 51 5. Singapore 32 36 56 6. Philippines 19 33 41 7. Laos 6 5 21 8. Myanmar 3 13 21 9. Cambodia 3 10 15 10. Brunei 0 1 6 11. East Timor 0 0 1 (Last update at 23pm Viet Nam time)

Goetz decided to bring on talented midfielder Pham Thanh Luong in the second half.

"Luong brings a breath of fresh air to Viet Nam. He is really the ‘head' of the team who can change the shape of a match," Son said.

Hoang Dinh Tung equalised in the 64th minute, tapping a rebound from teammate Nguyen Van Quyet's powerful shoot.

Quyet added his own name to the score sheet minutes following an accurate through-ball from Tung.

It was Quyet's fifth goal this SEA Games, making him one of the leading scorers.

Laos's hope to level the result was stamped out when captain Lamnao Singto was sent off after a clash with Vietnamese defender Lam Quang Anh.

In the last minute, Le Van Thang made it 3-1 for Viet Nam after a close-range tap in to the right corner. — VNS

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Vietnam jumps to second at SEA Games

Vietnamese athletes earned 12 gold medals at the SEA Games on Wednesday, raising the total to 56 golds and jumping to second place behind hosts Indonesia.

The 12 gold medals on Wednesday came in swimming, billiards, vovinam, free style wrestling, shooting, chess and rowing.

Billiards player Ma Minh Cam closed the day with a gold medal and his compatriot Nguyen Thanh Long won the bronze medal in the men’s one cushion carom event.

Also, Huynh Thi Ngoc Huyen booked a semifinal berth in the women’s nine-ball pool event after beating Singaporean Chai Zeet Huey 7-4 in the quarters. Huyen is thus sure to get at least the bronze medal. This is the first time a female Vietnamese billiards player has gone so far at the regional event.

The first two golds of the day for the Vietnamese sports delegation were won by Grand Master Le Quang Liem in the blindfold chess contest and by the duo Dao Thien Hai-Nguyen Thanh An in the mixed doubles event.

Tran Thi Sam and Pham Thi Thao won the gold medal in the women’s heavyweight doubles rowing event before Sam and Thao and teammates Pham Thi Hai and Pham Thi Hue took the gold in the women’s team 2,000-meter rowing contest.

In the shooting event after that, shooter Ngo Huu Vuong bagged the gold medal in the men’s moving target rifle contest with 556 points and his teammate Hoang Xuan Vinh grabbed the gold medal in the men’s revolver competition after scoring 585 points.

Shooter Nguyen Duy Hoang snatched the gold medal with 1,240.76 points in the men’s three-position rifle event.

In freestyle wrestling, Nguyen Huy Ha earned the gold medal in the men’s 55kg category before his compatriot Nguyen The Anh took the gold medal in the men’s 60kg event.

The Martial arts duo Lam Dong Vuong and Tran The Thuong won the gold medal in the men’s doubles scimitar performance contest.

Male badminton ace Nguyen Tien Minh booked a men’s singles quarterfinal berth after cruising past Filipino competitor Peter Gabriel Magnaye in straight sets (21-11, 21-6) after 20 minutes.

Minh’s compatriot Vu Thi Trang also eased into the women’s singles quarterfinals after beating Zar Lin of Myanmar 21-1, 21-11.

One of the most splendid performances by Vietnamese athletes at the Games on Wednesday was by swimmer Hoang Quy Phuoc who won the gold medal in the men’s 100-meter freestyle after clocking 50.79 seconds.

That achievement was enough for the 18-year-old Phuoc to reach the B Standard to qualify for the Olympic Games in London next year. Phuoc also won the gold medal in the men’s 100m butterfly event, clocking 53.07 seconds on Sunday.

Female swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien took the silver medal in the women’s 100m backstroke at one minute 3.68 seconds, behind Singaporean champion Tao Li, who clocked one minute 02.11 seconds.

The 14-year-old Vien also won the silver medal in the women’s medley event for the Vietnamese contingent on Sunday after clocking four minutes 54.65 seconds.

After five days at the regional Games, the Vietnamese athletes have won a total 56 golds, 55 silvers and 59 bronze medals, behind only Indonesia who have a total 87 golds, 65 silvers and 70 bronze medals.

Thailand is in third position with 52 golds, 41 silvers and 59 bronze medals while Singapore is fourth with 29 gold, 32 silver and 46 bronze medals.

Malaysia is fifth with 28 gold, 25 silver and 44 bronze medals; the Filipines are in the sixth spot with 15 gold, 28 silver and 34 bronze medals; and Laos is seventh with five gold, three silver and 19 bronze medals.

Cambodia is eighth with three gold, nine silver and 11 bronze medals, ahead of the ninth-placed Myanmar with one gold, 12 silver and 16 bronze medals.

The 10th-placed Brunei has earned one silver and six bronze medals while bottom side Timor Leste has won only one bronze medal at the November 11-22 SEA Games.

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SEA Games boss urges focus on Olympic sports

Future SEA Games should feature fewer traditional sports and focus on Olympic events, Rita Subowo said

Future Southeast Asian Games should feature fewer traditional sports and focus on Olympic events if the region’s athletes are to compete at a higher level, Indonesia’s organizing body said Tuesday.

Rita Subowo, president of the SEA Games organizing committee, said sports such as Indonesia’s pencak silat and Vietnam’s vovinam dilute the Games line-up and divert resources from the showpiece Olympic athletic disciplines.

“I have asked for future Games to focus on Olympic sports so we can qualify for the big events,” Subowo, who is also a member of Indonesia’s Olympic committee, told AFP.

“But every SEA Games the same thing happens. The hosts always ask for traditional sports -- the sport they are very good at -- and there’s so much pressure to include it that there’s nothing we can do about it.”

The pressure is exerted by individual sports associations and governments keen to secure regional bragging rights with a big medal haul, she added.

A Thai representative from the nation’s Olympic committee has also said the biennial SEA Games risk becoming less competitive as hosts choose niche sports favoring their athletes.

Their comments come as Indonesia streaked ahead in the medals table, harvesting 60 golds and 147 medals overall, to keep them well ahead of nearest rivals Thailand -- who have 36 golds so far.

Indonesia have enjoyed a clean sweep in the roller skating races, which debuted at the Games debut this year at their request, while indigenous martial art pencak silat is likely to see another gold glut by the hosts.

“We proposed roller sports one-and-half years ago and asked the other Games delegates for their opinion. Nobody complained at the time,” Subowo added.

On Tuesday track and field has nine golds up for grabs in Palembang -- which is co-hosting the Games, giving the Thais a chance to cut the hosts’ commanding medals lead.

But the men’s team badminton final will likely dominate the day’s competition with the hotly favorite hosts -- including former Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat -- tackling arch-rivals Malaysia in Jakarta.

“They have the advantage but I think we can give them a good fight,” Malaysian coach Tam Kim Her told the New Straits Times.

“It’s a final and anything can happen.”

Thailand, whose gold rush on Monday was off-set by Indonesia’s roller skating and karate exploits, basked in glory after besting the home side in the women’s team badminton final.

But the Thais have their work cut out to eclipse Indonesia, after the home athletes continued their fine run with a sackful of golds as they target finishing with most medals at the Games for the first time since 1997.

Indonesia was awarded this year’s Games in 2006 but the government has been criticized for failing to release cash to organizers Inasoc to build venues, causing an embarrassing delay to the athletes’ village in Palembang.

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Vietnam chip away at Indonesian lead at SEA Games

Vietnam kept up their pursuit of runaway Southeast Asian Games leaders Indonesia Thursday as the hosts prepared for a hotly anticipated grudge match against bitter rivals Malaysia.

Vietnam cut the deficit with Indonesia early Thursday, after four more golds in pencak silat -- an Indonesian martial art -- took them to 62 first places and stretched their lead over third placed Thailand.

The Thais, 2009 SEA Games table-toppers, have stalled after bouncing back from a disappointing start to the 26th edition of the Games with a strong showing in the headline athletics events and have 54 golds.

Indonesia's footballers are preparing to take on defending champions Malaysia Thursday, with home fans demanding a win over their arch-rivals as they eye gold in the event for the first time in two decades.

The hosts, on 90 golds by early Thursday, play neighboring Malaysia in the final group game having already qualified for the semi-finals of the under-23 tournament after three wins.

Malaysia have one foot in the semis and could be through by the time the game kicks off if Singapore fail to beat Thailand.

But both coaches have said the match -- in front of an expected 90,000 sell-out crowd -- is not a dead rubber with national pride at stake and a tie against surprise package Myanmar or the free-scoring Vietnam awaiting.

Coach Rahmad Darmawan told the Jakarta Globe that he harbored no fears over his opponents in the next round.

"Vietnam is an aggressive attacking team with good organization. Burma (Myanmar) is very good at defending their turf and their players have been playing with great fighting spirit," he was quoted as saying.

"Our focus now is to win against Malaysia."

Malaysia's coach has pledged to go for a win, vowing his players would go all out to upset the unbeaten hosts as they chase a title defense -- Malaysia beat Vietnam in the 2009 Games final.

"If we are to become champions, then this is the match we have to win," Ong Kim Swee was quoted as saying by the Malaysian Star newspaper.

"A point should be sufficient for us but I want the boys to show character. The Indonesian hurdle is the biggest obstacle before us. Once we get past it, we should be favorites for the gold."

The biennial SEA Games sees 11 nations compete for bragging rights with hundreds of gold medals up for grabs.

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Viet Nam pass Thailand in SEA Games medal tally

Chess champion: Grandmaster Le Quang Liem(right) triumphs in the blindfold chess event organised for the first time at the SEA Games. Golden boy: Hoang Quy Phuoc takes his and Viet Nam's second swimming gold medal after winning the men's 100m freestyle event with a time of 50.79sec. — VNA/VNS Photos Quang Nhut

HA NOI — Viet Nam surpassed Thailand in the SEA Games' medal tally to take second place with 56 golds, 55 silvers and 59 bronzes after a great competition day yesterday in Indonesia.

Host Indonesia remained firmly on top with 87 golds while Thailand reached a new total of 52.

Le Quang Liem claimed a gold medal for Viet Nam when he triumphed over Malaysian master Mok Tze Meng in blindfold chess.

It was the first time the event was included in the SEA Games and also Liem's first trial, but the Vietnamese International
Super Grandmaster had no difficulty in defeating his rivals.

Liem drew with his teammate Nguyen Anh Dung in the opening match before winning his next six contests. His only loss was to Dawwin Laylo of the Philippines in the fourth game.

"I was like a fish out of water when I first played blindfold chess. But when I became familiar with it, it was no longer difficult to me," said world No 25 Liem.

In the coming days, Liem will be vying for another individual title in the rapid chess event.

Liem's gold medal was the second for Viet Nam yesterday. Earlier, mixed pair Dao Thien Hai and Nguyen Thi Thanh An won in the standard chess event with 10 points after 5 rounds.

In swimming, teenager Hoang Quy Phuoc pocketed his second title in the men's 100m freestyle with a time of 50.79sec. The swimmer surged ahead of the Singaporean rival Yeo Kai Quan in the last metres to win gold.

With this performance, Phuoc set a new national record and earned Viet Nam its second gold medal in swimming.

Wrestler Nguyen Huy Ha also tasted glory in the men's 55kg category. Ha defeated a Thai opponent 2-0 in the final match.

SEA Games Medal Tally Gold Silver Bronze 1. Indonesia 87 67 69 2. Viet Nam 56 55 59 3. Thailand 52 41 60 4. Singapore 29 32 47 5. Malaysia 27 24 44 6. Philippines 17 28 34 7. Laos 5 3 19 8. Cambodia 3 9 11 9. Myanmar 1 12 16 10. Brunei 0 1 6 11. East Timor 0 0 1 (Last update at 23pm Viet Nam time)

"My opponent was young so I was able to stay calm and confident during the competition. My skill, technique and experiences helped me beat him. I am happy because it is my second SEA Games gold medal in a row," said Ha.

His teammate Nguyen The Anh also took home a gold in the men's 60kg after defeating a Filipino rival 2-0 in the final.

The rowing team also joined the medal tally list after winning in the women's doubles W2 and women's quartet 2,000m events.

According to coach Pham Thi Ngoc La, there are six events to be organised today and Vietnamese athletes have a shot at winning them all.

The marksmen yesterday brought home two more golds in the men's rifle three positions and 10m mobile target pistol events.

The shooting team successfully exceeded their target of five gold medals, winning in seven out of 14 events organised in Indonesia.

The first medal of the day went to marathon runner Pham Thi Binh who came in third for a bronze, the first ever for Viet Nam in SEA Games.

Making her debut at the Games this year, Binh had no expectations of taking home a gold, although her coach Nguyen Tuan Anh predicted that she would place in the top three based on her statistics in training.

Viet Nam are expected to get more gold when judo event starts today.

Queen Van Ngoc Tu will attempt her fifth SEA Games crown.

The 24-year-old will compete in the women's 48kg category and, in the case of her winning this year's title, will have a record breaking day.

Tu first triumphed at the 23th SEA Games in the Philippines, her international debut, and has dominated the regional tournament ever since.

The Soc Trang Province-born athlete is also the only in the Southeast Asia to grab a [bronze] medal from the Asian championships.

The fifth SEA Games gold medal will make her the richest judokas. She will rank among other national icons such as wrestler Man Ba Xuan, taekwondo artist Nguyen Van Hung and pencak silat fighter Trinh Thi Mui.

In this SEA Games, Tu will have a chance to earn more of the points she needs for a ticket for the London Olympics next summer. — VNS

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SEA Games football: Vietnam trounce Brunei to top group

Southeast Asian Games runners-up Vietnam outplayed Brunei and scored eight goals in their game in Indonesia’s Jakarta Saturday evening to top Group B.
 The 2009 runners-up earned a comfortable victory at the Lebak Bulus Stadium after laboring to beat Timor Leste 2-0 four days before in the biennial tournament.

Striker Nguyen Van Quyet headed to open fire for Vietnam just after the kick off and continued to score another two goals to make a hat-trick within 13 minutes into the Saturday game of the regional competition, which is for only under-23-year-old players.
AFP - Players of the Vietnamese U23 football team celebrate one of 

their eight goals in their win over Brunei at Jakarta’s Lebak Bulus 
Stadium Nov. 12, 2011. (Photo: Dung Phuong)

Vietnam skipper Pham Thanh Luong netted with a close shot in the 15th minute. Just three minutes later, striker Le Van Thang scored the fifth goal for the all-red side.

Midfielder Hoang Van Binh then made a superb right foot shot from more than 35 meters. The first half finished with six goals for German coach Falko Goetz’s side.

Vietnam did not push forward very hard after the break and Brunei had time to re-establish balance in ball possession. However, Vietnam midfielder Le Hoang Thien enlarged the gap in the 57th minute from close range before substitute striker Hoang Dinh Tung finished the score sheet at 8-0 in the 72nd minute.

Vietnam have earned 10 points after four matches to top Group B. Myanmar came second with 7 points but played three games. Brunei got only one point and were at the bottom of the six-team group.

Myanmar will take on the Philippines and Timor Leste will play Laos on Nov. 13.

Group B will wrap up on Nov. 17 with Vietnam taking on Laos in the final matchday.

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Watch Vietnam U23 vs Brunei U23 live

Vietnam U23 vs Brunei U23
Match Schedule
Tournament: SEA Games 2011
Match: Vietnam U23 vs Brunei U23

vs Brunei U23
Time: 15h30 GMT+7
Live/Repeat: Live
Date:- Saturday (12 November)
Stadium: Moe Win of Myanmar (2nd L) is shown

the red card after a tackle on Vietnamese

striker Van Quyet, Photo by Bach Duong

Vietnam’s Under-23 men’s national football team was held to a scoreless draw against Myanmar in their second game at the 26th South East Asian Games in Indonesia on Saturday.
The Vietnamese looked the better side all through the regular 90 minutes and created several chances but failed to score a single goal.
They had beaten Myanmar 5-0 at VFF Cup in Hanoi late last month, so they were hopeful of another victory.
The Vietnamese footballers were attacking throughout but Myanmar stuck firm to their defensive tactics and it paid off.
Vietnam’s central fullback Lam Anh Quang found the net eight minutes before the break but the referee ruled him offside.
Vietnam continued to launch attacks and looked even more dangerous attacks after Moe Win of Myanmar was sent off with a red card after tackling Vietnam’s striker Van Quyet in the 59th minute. However, Myanmar’s defense stood firm.
In fact, things could have been worse for Vietnam. Myanmar’s Yan Aung Win hit the bar in a counterattack during stoppage time of the second half.
Vietnam still leads Group B with four point. Myanmar also has four points but is in second place on goal difference.
Vietnam will on Wednesday clash with East Timor, who came from behind to beat Brunei 2-1 in their first match on Saturday.

By Son Tung, Thanh Nien News

Top fencer to take stab at SEA Games

HA NOI — Viet Nam's top fencer Nguyen Thi Le Dung will face rivals from Indonesia and Thailand at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia this week.

Dung, 26, who took up the Olympic sport at the age of 16, is the most experienced and skilful of the Vietnamese fencers who will be taking part at the Games.

She is eager to seize her opportunity in a discipline that was not included at the 2009 SEA Games in Laos.

The Hanoian took a six-month break for a course at the Foreign Trade College last year, but she showed top form at the World Fencing Championships in Catania, Italy, last month.

She ranked 16th among 122 competitors in the women's singles sabre event after a 3-15 loss in the fourth round to Vecci Irene of Italy.

"I expect more success at this year's SEA Games following strong performances at the Games from 2003-07. However, I'm ready for tough tests against rivals from the host country and Thailand," said Dung.

"I've had a long career in fencing so I'll do my best this year because it could be my last chance," she said.

Vietnamese fencers have had 10 months to prepare to cross swords at the region's biggest sporting event at the Ha Noi-based elite athletes sports training centre and on two training trips to China.

Dung will be joined in the fencing squad by Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan, Nguyen Thi Nhu Hoa, Tran Thi Len, Nguyen Thi Tuoi, Le Thi Bich, Truong Nguyen Nhat Minh, Nguyen Tien Nhat, and Nguyen Phuoc Den, who will be competing for 12 medal sets in the men's and women's individual and team sabre, foil and epee events from Sunday until Wednesday. — VNS

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Wushu team aims for gold at SEA Games

HA NOI – The national wushu team is aiming to win five or six gold medals in the 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games which kick off today in Indonesia.

Male martial artist Quoc Khanh and trio Nguyen Huy Thanh-Tran Duc Trong-Tran Xuan Hiep are candidates for gold medals in the performance event.

In the combat event, 16th Asian Games silver medallists Nguyen Thi Bich and Phan Van Hau are favourites to win. In addition to them, 25th SEA Games gold medallists Tan Thi Ly and Tran Van Kien, and 16th Asian Games bronze medallist Nguyen Minh Thong are expected to bring home gold medals.

The team also welcomes Bui Quy Linh, Do Duc Cuong, Hoang Van Linh, Pham Duy Viet, plus two returning "veterans" once they have fully recovered from sports injury – Vu Thuy Linh and Nguyen Mai Phuong.

One highly notable change this year is the absence of Vu Tra My. Despite the coaching staff's encouragement, the wushu artist has left the team. My is widely known for her talent in swordsmanship and two-weapon combat.

In preparation for the Games, the team underwent an intensive training program in China under the guidance of Chinese experts. The team also played well at the recent world event in Turkey with one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

The world gold medallist Nguyen Thanh Tung of the men's non-fighting event Taijiquan is really a spiritual inspiration for the team looking ahead in the Games.

At present, the team is training at the Ha Noi-based National Sports Centre. Next Tuesday, they will leave for Indonesia to start the competition running from November 18-21.

At the 25th event, the team made it to the number one position with seven gold medals, six silver medals and one bronze medal. -- VNS

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VN favourites to win SEA Games gold

HA NOI — The national table tennis team is set to win a gold medal in the men's double event at the 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games which will kick off in Indonesia today.

Doan Kien Quoc and Dinh Quang Linh are favourites to win having defeated Gao Ning and Yang Zi of Singapore in the final at the 25th SEA Games in Laos two years ago.

"At 32, Quoc is the oldest in the team, but his skills and experience are very important. At the last Games, thanks to playing with Quoc, Linh played very well," said head coach Le Xuan Phong.

"This is my last SEA Games and I hope to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics," Quoc confided.

If Quoc's dream comes true, he will make SEA table tennis history by qualifying for three Olympics.

At a world event in the Netherlands in May, Quoc reached the main round of the men's singles and men's double alongside Tuan Quynh.

The 32-year-old, renowned for his left-hand smashes, won a bronze medal at the 21st Southeast Asian Games (SEA) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2001.

Born in Nha Trang City, Quoc won the Southeast Asian Junior Table Tennis Championship in 1996 when he was just 17.

Viet Nam's rising star Linh, together with partner Mai Hoang My Trang, clinched the mixed doubles title at the Golden Racket International Table Tennis Tournament in HCM City in July.

The event will start on November 13 in Jakarta with five sets of medals up for grabs in the men's and women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles. — VNS

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SEA Games 26: First bronze medal for Vietnam

Hopeful Tran Van Long failed to clinch the first gold medal for Vietnam at canoeing competitions in Indonesia on November 11.

Long, who won two gold medals at the Southeast Asian Canoeing Championships in June 2011, only finished third in the men’s 1,000m competition after Indonesia’s Octarorianus and Myanmar’s Win Hintke.
Another Vietnamese hopeful Nguyen Thanh Quang only came fourth in the same event.
Vietnamese players also failed to secure a gold medal in the men’s doubles.
On November 12, female Vietnamese players will take part in the 500m and 200m singles and doubles competitions.
However, they have little chance to bag golds as their Singaporean opponents are too strong, according to chief coach Nguyen Van Thang.
Vietnamese canoeing athletes aim to bring home 2-3 gold medals from these competitions.
The 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games will officially kick off in Palembang city on the evening of November 11.

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National flag hoisted in Indonesia

A ceremony was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 9 to hoist the national flags of countries participating in the 26th Southeast Asian Games, including Vietnam.

Present at the ceremony were representatives of the Jakarta administration, SEA Games organizing board, and officials, coaches and athletes of the participating countries.
Lam Quang Thanh, head of the Vietnamese delegation, and representatives of the national football squad, attended the event.


An organizing board representative presented the SEA Games logo and mascot to Thanh and wished Vietnamese athletes high results during the event.

Thanh said Vietnamese athletes will try their best to contribute to the success of the biggest regional sporting event.

A Vietnam Airlines plane landed in Jakarta on November 9, bringing first 160 Vietnamese athletes, including 41 track-and-field athletes, to compete in the Games.
SEA Games 26 will kick off on November 11 and last until November 22.

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Vietnam through to semis after East Timor win

Vietnam opened the door to the SEA Games' semi-final round after their 2-0 victory over East Timor yesterday at Jakarta's Lebak Bulus Stadium.

Vietnam with seven points from three matches returned to the top position in group B.

Vietnam, despite many attempts, found no way to get close to East Timor's net during the first half. The team, favoured as titleholders, was dominated by the islanders, who stand lower in the world ranking.


Their power was reduced at the 21st minute when Murilo Ribeiro de Almeida, their most important forward, was sent off after a direct red card because of a hit to Vietnam's defender Nguyen Ngoc Anh.

The turning point of the match came at the 51st minute when Nguyen Trong Hoang tore keeper Emerson Carlos Cesario's net with a close-range shoot.

Hoang received a long pass from Song Lam Nghe An team-mate Au Van Hoan. He managed it into the box. His first shoot touched Cesario and bounced back, but the midfielder did not miss it in the second time.

Ten minutes after his assistance for the opening goal, Hoan had his own goal. The right defender controlled a ball passed by Hoang and tapped it to Cesario's right corner.

The result would have been better for Vietnam if their forwards had done their duty. Nguyen Van Quyet, who scored a goal for Vietnam in the first match against the Philippines, missed at least three chances when he was in face-to-face with Cesario.

And his teammates Nguyen Thanh Luong and Nguyen Van Thang failed to score accurately.

"Vietnamese players wasted many good opportunities at goal. They could not play as well as they did at the local clubs," said Phan Anh Tu, general secretary of the Hanoi Football Federation.

"It seemed that they were strongly affected when Myanmar won over Brunei and took the group leading position. The pressure to return to the top was too heavy which made them play worse than expected," Tu said.

In the next match, Vietnam will play Brunei on November 12 while East Timor face Laos one day later.

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Viet Nam ready set go for Jakarta games

HA NOI — Viet Nam's 176-member contingent leaves for Jakarta today to compete at the 26th Southeast Asian Games which will begin tomorrow.

Vietnamese flag was hoisted yesterday in the flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Another flag hoisting ceremony will be held in Palembang, the major sport venue of the 26th SEA Games, today. 

The remaining 720 athletes and coaches will fly to Indonesia tomorrow and Friday. In total, 42 Vietnamese teams will take part in the Games, of which athletics sends the most, 55 members, with the aim of earning seven to nine gold medals.

Vfresh milk donated VND100 million (US$4,760) in cash to the team at the send-off at the National Sports Centre in Ha Noi on Tuesday.

The Games, to run until November 22, will be hosted by Palembang (the capital of South Sumatra) and Jakarta. Palembang will feature 296 events while Jakarta will provide venues for 266. The track and field competition is scheduled from Saturday till Wednesday in Palembang.

"The Viet Nam team has trained hard and is fully fit," said head of the Viet Nam delegation Lam Quang Thanh.

It's the nation's largest group ever to go to the Games, with a target of at least 70 gold medals to rank in the top three.

It is predicted the first gold medal for Viet Nam will come tomorrow in the canoeing event with Tran Quang Long a top contender, Thanh said.

"On Saturday, Vietnamese athletes will continue to take part in other events such as taekwondo, karatedo, swimming, track and field and shooting. They will take more golds on that day," Thanh said.

Viet Nam also hopes to secure golds in wushu, judo, chess, weightlifting, shooting, billiards and snooker. One of its toughest tasks belongs to the men's under-23 football team.

Accommodation and transport in Indonesia has been taken care of, Thanh said.

"The Games organising board and Indonesian airlines Garuda have pledged to create favourable conditions for Viet Nam to move from Jakarta to Palembang and housing problems have been solved," he said.

At the 25th SEA Games held in Laos two years ago, Viet Nam won 83 gold, 75 silver and 57 bronze medals to rank second on the medal tally, close behind Thailand. — VNS

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SEA Games medallists set to win cash bonuses

Lien Viet Bank has set aside bonus money of VND1 billion (US$ 48,000) for Vietnamese medallists at the 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

In addition, the bank has pledged to award VND20 million to those who set a games' record.

Athletes who win a gold medal will be given VND5 million, while silver and bronze medallists will be awarded VND3 million and VND1 million, respectively.

 The bank also pledged to give each injured athlete VND5 million compensation if they have to withdraw from the competition.

The awards ceremony will be held in Ha Noi and HCM City one week after the SEA Games ends on November 22.

Football U19s win ticket to Asian Champs final

Viet Nam took the second group F ticket to the final round of the 2010 Asian Under-19 Football Championship on Tuesday at home.

After a 2-2 draw against North Korea at HCM City's Thong Nhat Stadium the hosts finished the group with six points from four matches.

So Yong-hyok heeled the ball into the back of the net after 25 minutes to open the score for the visitors. Five minutes later Sy Lam equalised close-range after a smart pass into the penalty box.

In the second half, the hosts went ahead after a header by Dinh Thang left Korean keeper Song Hwan stranded.

However, North Korea came back when Chung Hyok tapped the ball into the back of the net.

North Korea, on 10 points, finished top of the group.

National volleyball team worried about Kieu's fitness

Main attacker Ngo Van Kieu's injury will hamper the volleyball team's chances of winning a medal at the coming SEA Games.

Kieu, who stands 1.96 metres tall, has injured both his knees, for which he has undergone treatment since the national championships in April.

However, the Khanh Hoa Province-base athlete says he is fit enough to participate in the Games, which take place from November 13-20.

Meanwhile, spiker Huu Ha is recovering from a broken finger, though he is expected to be fully fit for the tournament.

Viet Nam have set themselves the target of finishing in the top three at this year's event. — VNS

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National squad face East Timor

HA NOI — Viet Nam are set to play its third SEA Games match against East Timor, who nearly caused an earthquake on Monday, in Indonesia today.

Ranked the lowest among the 46 members of the Asian Football Confederation, East Timor defeated the Philippines 2-1 to top Group B with six points after two matches.

Full of hope in advancing to the second round, the country needs only four points from their remaining three matches to make history.

East Timor, an SEA Games newcomer, travelled to Jakarta as

underdogs due to a poor international record.

While Viet Nam, as title favourites, lie in second place with four points, both their previous games have left much to the imagination.

As a result, coach Falko Goetz has refused reporters access to all U23 training sessions in a bid to withhold pressure and keep tactics a secret ahead of upcoming games.

In its first two matches, assistant coach Phan Thanh Hung said that Viet Nam were too subjective against its weaker opponents while strikers struggled with low balls and finishes.

Planning to change style against East Timor, Goetz has an additional problem with personnel.

Defender Huynh Phu, having had problems with his thigh, is expected to miss today's match while left defender Ngoc Anh has struggled with the sole of one of his feet.

Today the team will face East Timor's Murilo Ribeiro de Almeida who leads the race for best striker with three goals scored.

The ‘imported' player enjoys a significant physical and apart from his high balls skills, is capable of scoring with both legs.

During Group A activities on Monday, defending champions Malaysia drew with Singapore 0-0 while hosts Indonesia beat Cambodia 6-0. — VNS

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Watch U23 Viet Nam vs Timor - Laste Live

SEA Games 26 Watch U23 Vietnam vs U23 Timor-Leste live U23 Vietnam vs U23 Timor-Leste

Match Schedule
Tournament: SEA Games 2011
Match: U23 Vietnam vs U23 Timor-Leste Live/Repeat: Live
Date:- Wednesday (09)

Vietnam’s Under-23 men’s national football team was held to a scoreless draw against Myanmar in their second game at the 26th South East Asian Games in Indonesia on Saturday.
The Vietnamese looked the better side all through the regular 90 minutes and created several chances but failed to score a single goal.
They had beaten Myanmar 5-0 at VFF Cup in Hanoi late last month, so they were hopeful of another victory.
The Vietnamese footballers were attacking throughout but Myanmar stuck firm to their defensive tactics and it paid off.
Vietnam’s central fullback Lam Anh Quang found the net eight minutes before the break but the referee ruled him offside.
Vietnam continued to launch attacks and looked even more dangerous attacks after Moe Win of Myanmar was sent off with a red card after tackling Vietnam’s striker Van Quyet in the 59th minute. However, Myanmar’s defense stood firm.
In fact, things could have been worse for Vietnam. Myanmar’s Yan Aung Win hit the bar in a counterattack during stoppage time of the second half.
Vietnam still leads Group B with four point. Myanmar also has four points but is in second place on goal difference.
Vietnam will on Wednesday clash with East Timor, who came from behind to beat Brunei 2-1 in their first match on Saturday.

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