Vietnam notch up another U20 Asian Cup qualifier win

With the goal of winning big to stay at the top of the table, Vietnam had a perfect start, scoring two goals in just 15 minutes. Nguyen Thanh Nhan was lucky to have a ball deflect off his back and go into the net from a freekick by Dinh Xuan Tien. In the 14th minute, the lead doubled from a great team play between Bui Vi Hao and Nguyen Quoc Viet. Hao’s shot hit the post before going in, leaving keeper Filonito Nogueira no chance.

However, the two early goals did not open up an easy game for Vietnam. They were able to create a few more chances in the first half, but nothing came of them.

With the focus on upping their tally, Vietnam revealed holes in their defense and let Timor Leste create at least three good scoring chances.

In the second half, Timor Leste suddenly stopped pressing and played slower, making it difficult for Vietnam to find an opening. Coach Dinh The Nam made a few substitutions, but this seemed to weaken Vietnam’s attack.

As the team stepped up their offensive, the defense sagged, allowing Timor Leste players enter the box more often and get a few dangerous shots towards the goal.

Seven minutes before the game ended, Vietnam scored their third, thanks to a mistake by keeper Nogueira who did not save the ball cleanly and let Nguyen Xuan Bac volley into the empty net. Two minutes later, the keeper made another mistake with a careless pass to his teammate and let Khuat Van Khang tap it in.

The win helped Vietnam remain at the top of group F, but they will lose that spot if hosts Indonesia score more than five goals against Hong Kong in the other game. If this happens, Vietnam will have to beat Indonesia in their last game on Sunday to get a ticket to the 2023 U20 Asian Cup.

 

 

Vietnam notch up another U20 Asian Cup qualifier win

Việt Nam 4-0 Timor Leste