Sports Notes - Brunei Defeat Philippines - Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma In ASEAN U-20 Semifinals

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Wednesday January 30, 2002

Vietnam came into the match after their explosive offense led the way to victory's over Cambodia 3-1 and the Philippines 6

Brunei defeated the Philippines 1-0 enabling them to finish third in group B of the ASEAN Under-20 tournament behind undefeated Laos and once beaten Vietnam.

After a scoreless first half Brunei's Muhammad Hardyman B Abd Lamit scored in the 52nd minute of the hotly contested match.

In Bangkok Myanmar (Burma) defeated Indonesia 2-0 to take second place in Group A. They will join Thailand, Laos and Vietnam for the semifinal matches in Bangkok Friday.

It will be a role reversal for Vietnam who were considered the strongest team in group B prior to the event. The more technically skilled Vietnamese were surprised by a tough Laos squad that played tenacious defense in their match Saturday.

After the contest it was noticeable the loss didn't sit well with Vietnam's coach Nguyen Van Thinh and his interpreter Thuy at a post game press conference.

The Vietnam team came into the match after their explosive offense led the way to victory's over Cambodia 3-1 and the Philippines 6-0. Following their 1-0 loss to Laos they regained their offensive form with a smashing 4-0 win over Brunei.

Vietnam will face highly touted Thailand and Laos will take on Burma in the semifinal matches. Should Vietnam upset Thailand they could face Laos again for a rematch in the finals Sunday.

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