Viets topple Myanmar XI for semis seat

BACOLOD — Phan Van Tai Em struck with a header in the 65th minute and Vietnam whipped Myanmar, 1-0, for a third straight win and the first seat in the semifinals of the SEA Games men’s football competition at the Bacolod City Sports Complex last night.

After a scoreless first-half, the Vietnamese pressed their attack in the second half and rode high on Em’s goal on an assist by Le Bat Hieu in overcoming Myanmar’s stiff challenge for a third victory in as many outings in Group B play.

With nine points on a 3-0-0 win-loss-draw card, the Vietnamese, losing finalists in the 2003 SEAG at home turf, assured themselves of a slot in the crossover semifinals.

In another Group B contest, Indonesia and Singapore figured in a solid defensive battle and settled for a scoreless draw.

Goalies Samsidar of Indonesia and Hassan Bin Abdul Halim of Singapore manned their respective boxes with authority and each one foiled couples of attacks.

It’s a second straight draw for two points for Indonesia while Singapore earned its first point following a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Vietnam Monday. Myanmar also had a point on a draw with Indonesia Tuesday. — Nelson Beltran