Vietnam start Futsal Asian Cup with big win against S. Korea

South Korea, who are 30 places below Vietnam on world ranking, opened the scoring in the 22nd second when Shin Jong-hoo’s volley went through the legs of Chau Doan Pha and into the far corner to beat goalkeeper Ho Van Y.

However, as the stronger team (40th on world ranking), Vietnam quickly took over the game with immense attacking power and great long passes that tore South Korea’s defense apart. Many shots were taken but their keeper Seo Jung-woo denied them all.

Seo was unbeatable until the third minute, when Nguyen Minh Tri’s shot deflected off Shin and went into the net, bringing Vietnam the equalizer. The second goal of Vietnam happened in the same scenario when Nguyen Dac Huy’s shot hit Yoo Seung-mu and went in.

South Korea tried to push back in the last minutes of the first half and they were close to a goal, but luck did not stay on their side. In the 15th minute, keeper Van Y could not do anything about Shin’s shot, but it hit the post. Two minutes later, Moon Hee-jae’s header continued to hit the woodwork. Between these two relevant chances of South Korea, Vietnam scored the third goal. Tri won the ball and started a counter-attack with Pham Duc Hoa, who dribbled inside the box and finished delicately to make it 3-1 for Vietnam.

In the second half, South Korea tried to increase the intensity and started power-play (the goalkeeper also can play as an attacker) after just six minutes. Vietnam were under great pressure but the excellence of keeper Y helped Vietnam stand still. He blocked two powerful shots from Shin and saved the ball right on the line when Kang Ju-wang tried to back heel it from one meter.

The pressure was taken off Vietnam’s shoulders when Tran Thai Huy scored the fourth goal in the 34th minute. He made a fake dribble to remove Park Jeong-jin and ran down to face keeper Seo before finishing from a tight angle. The goal put an end to South Korea’s hope of coming back and Vietnam got another goal one minute later when Hoa chipped the ball over the keeper.

The 5-1 win against South Korea put Vietnam on top of group D when in the other game, Saudi Arabia defeated Japan 2-1.

The 2022 Futsal Asian Cup is taking place in Kuwait from September 27 to October 8. 16 teams are divided into four groups. The top two teams of each group will advance to the quarterfinals.

Vietnam will play Saudi Arabia on Friday and Japan two days later.

 

 

Vietnam start Futsal Asian Cup with big win against S. Korea

Futsal Việt Nam 5-1 Futsal Hàn Quốc