Thailand beat Vietnam to lead King's Cup

Hosts Thailand topped the standings on the first day of the King's Cup tournament after beating rivals Vietnam 2-1 on Sunday, while Singapore and Kazakhstan finished a goalless draw.

The Thais sealed a well-earned victory with goals from Sarayuth Chaikamdee and Datsakorn Thonglao after Phan Thanh Binh put the Vietnamese side ahead on 35 minutes.

Binh silenced the crowd when he fired home on the turn from three meters after Thai keeper Kittisak Rawangpa failed to collect a header deep into the box from Le Cong Vinh.

Thailand levelled less than a minute later after Kwanchai Fuangprakob's inch-perfect cross beat the Vietnamese keeper and landed on the head of the unmarked Sarayuth.

The hosts piled on the pressure after the break and took the lead on 61 minutes when evergreen striker Kiatisak Senamuang threaded the ball through for Datsakorn to net from six meters.

In another match, Kazakhstan had the best of their match but squandered chance after chance against a below-par Singaporean team, which could have won the game with five minutes remaining.

The four countries will play in Bangkok again on Tuesday and Thursday, while the top two teams will meet in the final on Dec. 30.

Source: Xinhua