Myanmar’s Zeise: We beat ourselves in Vietnam defeat

Myanmar national team coach Gerd Zeise was left rueing his team’s mistakes following a 2-1 defeat to Vietnam on Sunday night in their opening match of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2016.

After trailing for much of the match following Luong Xuan Truong’s 24th-minute goal, Myanmar drew even with Aung Thu’s equaliser. But the White Angels soon fell back to earth when Le Cong Vinh struck with an 80th-minute game winner to seal three points for the 2014 semifinalists in front of a jubilant mass of visiting supporters.

“We beat ourselves,” Zeise admitted after the final whistle. “We could have scored more in the second half but you’ll always be punished for mistakes at this level, and our players need more experience.

“Aung Thu’s performance hasn’t been great in recent friendly matches, but today we saw him return to form.”

Vietnam coach Nguyen Huu Thang praised his side’s tenacity in the narrow win, during which they were out-fouled 18 to nine by a Myanmar side who fought to defend every inch of ground.

“I knew this match would be difficult and told my players that ahead of time,” Nguyen said. “Our players proved that they were soldiers and did a very good job; I’m satisfied with their strong mentality.

“The coming matches will also be difficult so we have to focus on each match as they come.”

Vietnam will face Malaysia in what could be a key match on Wednesday afternoon at Thuwanna Stadium, while hosts Myanmar take on Cambodia in the evening.