Football is also played in Laos. It was not a famous s nation
in soccer because of the political problems but now the situation looks good
for the game to move on. The biggest international match victory for Laos was
against Timor-Leste where Laos won by 6-1. As usual football is all about
defeating, being defeated and equal results, in 26th October 2010. The biggest
defeat for Laos was against United Arab Emirates in November, 1963. Laos
suffered a 15-0 defeat in that match. In 1961, Laos played its 1st
international game with South Vietnam. Laos was defeated in that match by 7-0.
Laos has a very long trip to go before the can qualify for the world cup or
even win the Asia championships.
Laos Team in one of Suzuki Cup competition.
In 2012 Laos played two international friendly matches,
against Philippines and Thailand. The friendlies were for the purpose of
preparing the teams for major national competitions which they were facing
ahead. In the 1st friendly Laos defeated Philippines by 2-1. The game with
Thailand saw Laos suffering a defeat of 2-1 in Bangkok.
Laos will play for the 1st time in Asia’s major competitions
in 2014 after qualifying for the 2014 AFC challenge cup. The tournament will be
held I Maldives. Football in Laos has been adversely affected by the political
instability inside Laos. Currently the peaceful condition makes it a suitable
home for the game again. To play in AFC Challenge cup will be a great success
for them.
Laos became a member of FIFA in 1952. The Lao Football
Federation is an organ responsible for football administration and supervision
in Laos.
Laos Premier League was established in 1990. The league
consists of 12 teams currently. If a team is relegated is normally obliged to play
in the Laos First Division. Lao Army FC is the only team which has won most
championship in the premier league since its establishment. It has won a total
of 8 titles.
Yotha FC is another team which participates in the Lao
Premier league. This team was established in 1997. In 2012 it was the second in the league tables
just after SHB Champasak who are the champions. Yotha FC collected a total of
26 points just one point above Ezra FC. Yotha FC has won the premier league 3
times so far, the last year they won being in 2011.
New Laos National stadium is a home ground for many teams
including Ezra FC, Lao Police FC, Friends Development FC and Yotha FC. It can
accommodate about 20,000 – 25,000 spectators. The other teams use either Laos
National Stadium or Champasak Stadium. Laos National stadium has a capacity of
20,000 and Champasak stadium has a capacity of 11,000.
The winning of the trophy of Lao Premier League means that
SHB Champasak FC has qualified for the AFC President’s Cup in the year 2014.
Phenauanphatthana FC has been relegated because it was the last team in the
league tables whereby it has played a total of 14 games and earned no single
point.
May be in something like 10 years from today Laos will be
participating in major tournaments in Asia by defeating big names like South Korea
or Japan. Time will tell.
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