ACV Soccer Finals

The finals night of the ACVientiane Senior Cup epitomized the drama that has surrounded the cup since the start.  A thrilling 11 goal game in the final of the vase and a tight yet ferocious single goal game in the cup sealed what must be viewed as a success for the first ACV tournament.

For a little background on the tournament, ACVientiane set up a football cup with the theme of friendship football.  8 teams, whose players had an average age of over 30, were invited to battle it out on 'The Mud Pitch' in Ban Saphanthong.  A sponsor offered a $500 prize money which was kindly rejected as this tournament was not about cash prizes, but about playing for the love of the game and to have fun.  That said, it didn't stop the competing teams raising their performance levels considerably and giving 110% in all games - reflected in the 8 yellow cards and corresponding 50,000 kip fines (with all money collected going into 'The Beer Pot' for finals night).

The teams that entered the tournament were split into two leagues.  The top 2 teams from each league went on to battle for the prestigious ACVientiane Cup, while the bottom two teams from each group went on to compete in the ACVientiane Vase.  All results and match reviews can be found in the ACVientiane.com football section.

Before and after the game there were handshakes and banter.  Though during the 60 minutes playing time there was no love lost between the two teams who proved themselves to be the highest calibre in the tournament.  Despite Bing Bare's (BBQ Goat) apparent age deficit (about 10 years senior to Friends), they controlled the game from the start and let experience do their running.  It was simply a pleasure to watch as they effortlessly stroked the ball around, showing great skills in both passing and control.  Simple football that is so hard to play.  The early pressure payed off when playmaker and man of the match Song picked the ball up on the half way line, slipped past two defenders and rattled the ball into the roof of the net.

The rest of the match saw some hard challenging, with Bing Bare seeing yellow once and lucky to escape red on a few occasions.  At times the game descended into more of a Judo match.  

Friends will feel unlucky as they saw a shot rebound of the post, while Bing Bare had opportunities of their own, only a string of top drawer saves from Friends #1 keeping them in the game.

At the end of 60 minutes the single goal proved decisive.  BING BARE NONG HAI FC BECAME THE FIRST CHAMPIONS OF THE ACVIENTIANE SENIOR CUP.

The game was 4-0 at half time to ACAS.  After 10 minutes of the second half it was 7-0.  Then a goal surge from Yu La La had the largest crowd of the ACVientiane league hugging the touch line.  There was a common belief that if the game was 10 minutes longer an incredible turn around would have been on the cards.  As it happens, the game is 60 minutes long and ACAS held on to a well deserved victory, their movement and speed just too much for Yu La La to cope with.

ACAS arrived to the field before the organisers.  While Yu La La were still waiting for players to arrive and sorting out their formation, ACAS were out warming up and soaking up the cup final atmosphere.  The difference in organisation was quick to show, with ACAS dominating the game from the whistle.  Yu La La started a man down and looked out of sorts.  In comparison, ACAS looked like they had been waiting for this game all week.  Two goals from captain Air, one from Mao and another from Sakthong polished off a classy and professional first half display.

To quote Sonny, the Yu La La coach, "Bloody Good".  That was indeed how Yu La La played the second half.  They dominated the first 10 minutes and were hit on the counter 3 times. Goals of which were excellently taken by Serd and Sak (2).  Though Yu La La had the enthusiasm, ACAS had the composure and skill to deal with the onslaught.  With many now anticipating double figures, and ACAS clearly tiring and easing off the pressure, few would have guessed what was to follow.  Wave after wave of Yu La La attacks saw them claw four goals back through Bounma (2), Khom and Oyvind.  There were opportunities for more but for excellent goal keeping and tired finishing the unthinkable didn't happen.

As it was, the scoreline was a good reflection on the game.  Two attacking sides with ACAS the better team on the day.  Captain Air collected the trophy as ACAS BECAME THE FIRST WINNERS OF THE ACVIENTIANE VASE.