Plucky Myanmar hold Vietnam in opener
A lacklustre Vietnam had to settle for a share of the spoils in their 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup Group A opener on Saturday after being held to a 1-1 draw by Myanmar.
Following a sluggish start during which their goal was threatened on several occasions, Vietnam eventually broke the deadlock five minutes after the half-hour mark when Le Tan Tai scored with a looping header.
Nonetheless, the White Angels refused to be deterred and eventually equalised nine minutes into the second half when Kyi Lin netted from the spot after being fouled by Au Van Hoan.
The result will undoubtedly be disappointing for Vietnam given they were handed the easier of the Group A starts, with Thailand facing Philippines in Saturday's other game.
Thailand edge Azkals in feisty clash
Thailand got their 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup campaign up and running on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Philippines in a heated Group A encounter.
Jakkapan Pornsai opened the scoring for the War Elephants when he applied the finishing touches to a sweeping move in the 39th minute, before Anucha Kitpongsri added a second two minutes later to give his side a commanding lead at the break.
But despite continuing their dominance in the second half, the hosts failed to put away their chances and were made to endure a nervy end to the game when Paul Mulders pulled one back for the Azkals in the 77th minute, although they ultimately held on for all three points.
The result meant Thailand's bid to win Southeast Asia's biggest international prize got off to a perfect start, and they certainly showed for most parts on Saturday why many regard them as favourites for the title.
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