Thailand and Iran secure semi-final at U-21 tourney

Viet Nam News - Powerhouses Iran and Thailand secured their place in the ongoing International Under-21 Football Tournament semi-finals with their group competition wins in central Hue City on Monday.

Iran, who crushed Singapore 6-0 in the group B opener last Saturday, edged Myanmar 1-0 to top the group with six points.

Striker Jalaladin launched a close-range rocket past Myanamar goalie Thiha Si Thu in the second half.

The last match in the group, between Myanmar and Singapore today, will decide the second semi-final berth.

Myanmar only need a draw to make it into the semi-finals.

In the Group A match on Monday, Thailand thrashed Malaysia 4-1 to take top place, ahead of Vietnam, who beat Malaysia 4-2 in the tournament curtain-raiser last Saturday.

Thailand were shocked 11 minutes into the game when Nawaphon, who failed to clear the ball in the penalty area, managed to score on his own goal. But Thailand tied the score just seven minutes later, thanks to Rachanon Sirnok's close shot.

After the break, Nirunrit fired a 25m cannon shot which glanced off a Malaysian defender into the net, making the score 2-1.

Three minutes from the final whistle, Jirawut netted the ball followed by his teammate Charin Boohad, who scored the last goal for Thailand in the final seconds of the game.

Vietnam and Thailand, who already qualified for the semi-finals, will play head-to-head for top place today, helping them avoid power-house Iran in the semi-finals.

The International Under-21 Football Tournament, which has been recognised by the Asian Football Confederation as a new international championship for younger players in the region, has drawn teams from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Iran and Vietnam, to compete in a two group round robin for the championship.

The two top teams will take semi-final berths and the final will be played on Sunday. The winner will pocket a cash prize of US$10,000.