Fans leave Vietnam-Hong Kong match early amid lackluster performance

Fans started leaving after the 75th minute in the game on Thursday night, despite it being a match people in Hai Phong had anticipated for a long time.

“It’s too boring on the field. There’s no connection between the players,” a fan said on his way out.

“The team didn’t have a specific style of play. They played on the flanks too much,” another fan said.

In their first game under new head coach Philippe Troussier, Vietnam national team struggled to create decent chances against Hong Kong. The defense also lacked concentration and gave the visitors many scoring chances, hitting the bar three times.

Vietnam could only win thanks to a penalty goal by captain Que Ngoc Hai in the 32nd minute. After that, Vietnam dominated in possession but failed to put real pressure on their opponents.

“I’m not happy with the penalty because it’s not deserved. The referee decided the game,” Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen said after the game. “It’s unfortunate that the ball hit the bar twice in the first half and once in the second half.”

Vietnam will play their next friendly against Syria on June 20.