*Goals: Syafiz 11' - Canavaro 19', Correia 42', Xavier 45'
Timor Leste's 3-1 win over Singapore in Group A of men's football at the SEA Games has created a more favorable path for Vietnam to reach the semifinals. Although Timor Leste secured three points and a -3 goal difference, their chances of advancing are slim under tournament rules, which prioritize the top three teams from each group and the best second-place team. This result puts pressure on Singapore, who must now defeat the host nation on 11/12 to secure at least second place in the group.
The match saw Singapore initially take the lead in the 11th minute. Following a four-on-two counter-attack, 21-year-old midfielder Amir Syafiz capitalized on a rebound from a teammate's shot that hit the post, tapping it into an open net. Despite a Timor Leste player attempting to block the shot with his hand, the goal stood, and Uzbekistan referee Asker Nadjafaliev did not issue a red card.
Timor Leste responded swiftly, equalizing just eight minutes later. 18-year-old forward Vabio Canavaro scored from another rebound, shifting the momentum. From that point, Timor Leste launched relentless attacks, putting significant pressure on Singapore's defense. This sustained pressure culminated in two quick goals in the final four minutes of the first half.
In the 42nd minute, forward Olagar Xavier broke away on the right flank, delivering a low pass behind Singapore's defense. Anizo Correia then precisely curled the ball into the top corner of the net. In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Xavier again made a swift run to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper. His initial shot was parried, but the 22-year-old forward quickly followed up with a rebound that found the net. Following this goal, Xavier celebrated by removing his shirt and performing a spinning jump, reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Forward Olagar Xavier celebrates scoring Timor Leste's third goal against Singapore, making the score 3-1 during the second round of men's football Group A at SEA Games 33. The match took place at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on the evening of 6/12. *Photo: Duc Dong* |
Hoang An
