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Although Laos ' loss to Malaysia on Monday in the semifinals of the SEA Games tournament broke the hearts of local supporters, most are still eager to see the third-place playoff between Laos and Singapore today.

Spot checks by the Vientiane Times found that most supporters were on the hunt for tickets to see the fight for a bronze medal, slated for 3pm at the Chao Anouvong Stadium.

Local businessman Mr Bounsavath said he didn't make it to the Laos-Malaysia game but was definitely going to watch the final appearance of Laos when they face Singapore for the second time in the tournament.

“We don't care about the result of the final to be played at the National Stadium, we just want to show our support for Laos and spur them on in their bronze medal attempt. Don't worry, Lao fans will be by their side whether they win or lose.”

That opinion was typical of the sentiments of local fans who desperately want the Lao squad to put on a good performance and do their best to get a medal from the tournament.

Lao Men's Football Team Manager Viphet Sihachackr echoed these feelings on Tuesday.

“Now we are playing in our fifth match of the tournament. We had hoped this would be the gold medal match, but we're playing for the bronze medal instead.”

“I'd like to thank all Lao fans for buying tickets and cheering us on so enthusiastically. I'm confident the crowd today will be every bit as supportive as at previous matches,” he said.

Mr Viphet said it would be good if entry to the match were free, but the SEA Games Organising Committee said the normal ticket price would stand and that rule had to be respected.

The Lao line-up will be similar to previous matches with the exception of defender Keovixian Keovilay who has picked up an injury.

“Our match with Singapore today won't be like last time when we were both looking at a place in the semi-final. This will be a more interesting game, like our match with Indonesia ,” Mr Viphet said.

That game really impressed him, he said, and he hoped today's match would be in the same league. Most of the players were at the same standard and played a similar game, which made for entertaining and competitive football.

In today's matches Laos will meet Singapore at the Chao Anouvong Stadium at 3pm and Malaysia will face Vietnam in the tournament final at the National Stadium at 5pm.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

Vientianetimes