The door is wide open for Vietnam to the 2019 Asian Cup finals as the team trounced Cambodia 5-0 during their clash under the 2019 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualification in Hanoi on October 10.
Thanh Trung (No. 18) and his teammate celebrate the opener for Vietnam during the clash with Cambodia at the home turf on Tuesday evening. (Credit: vietnamnet.vn)
Prior to Tuesday’s rematch at My Dinh Stadium, Vietnam temporarily ranked second in Group C with five points after three games, followed by Cambodia, who lost 1-2 to their neighbouring in Phnom Penh in the previous round last month, with a two point gap. Jordan top the table with seven points.
In the first Group C match on Tuesday between Afghanistan and group leaders Jordan, the two tied 3-3, meaning that a win for Vietnam against Cambodia would help Coach Mai Duc Chung’s players on par with Jordan, thus opening the door to win the ticket to the 2019 Asian Cup finals in the UEA.
The clash at My Dinh was not in a favourable weather as it was raining heavily and influenced the match’s quality. However, Vietnam, with best-form lineups, quickly took home advantage to strengthen attacks on their guests.
The opener arrived soon for the hosts in a rather lucky manner in the 12th minute as Dinh Thanh Trung’s kick hit a Cambodian defender and deflected into the goal, which keeper Sou Yaty was unable to save.
Inspired by the opening goal, Vietnam continued to overwhelm and created consecutive threats to Sou Yaty’s goal. However, due to the heavy rain and slippery ground, Vietnamese players could not convert any opportunities into goals during the last minutes of the first half.
Contrary to the first half, Vietnam showed off their skills in the second session. In the 56th minute, Thanh Trung proved his effectiveness since the beginning of the match with a skilled cross on the right. The ball found Van Quyet and Vietnam’s captain punished the Cambodian defensive line with a superb header, doubling the scoring for Vietnam.
The 2-0 lead helped Vietnamese players to alleviate the pressure and play more confidently. The team only needed four minutes to score the third goal. Midfielder Thanh Trung continued to print his mark with a free kick to drop a favourable ball to veteran striker Anh Duc to break Cambodian line and score an easy goal.
The 5-0 win against Cambodia is a farewell gift to interim Coach Mai Duc Chung, who will transfer his management position to new Korean Head Coach Park Hang Seo after Tuesday’s match. (Credit: vietnamnet.vn)
The goals by strikers Van Quyet and Anh Duc inspired Cong Phuong, the remaining spearhead on Vietnamese trio attack line, to find his goal. However, the Hoang Anh Gia Lai striker had to wait until the 76th minute, after many opportunities missed, to celebrate with the fourth goal for Vietnam.
In the remainder of the match, Cambodia advanced to find their goal. However, all they could do was simply stop at a free kick hitting the post from Bin Chanthacheary in the 87th minute. Not only that but, Cambodia also conceded a goal in the crucial time as the substitute Mac Hong Quan made it 5-0 for Vietnam.
The 5-0 win helps Vietnam earn eight points, on par with Jordan, but still temporarily rank behind the group leaders for a lower goal difference. The victory yet helps Vietnam set a foot in the 2019 Asian Cup finals. In the next match against Afghanistan, Vietnam only needs one point, while Cambodia would not be defeated by Jordan, to officially earn a berth in the UAE’s tournament next year.
The win is also a farewell gift to interim Coach Mai Duc Chung, who will transfer his management position to new Korean Head Coach Park Hang Seo after Tuesday’s match. Park will officially sign a contract with the Vietnam football team later this month.
Starting line-ups
Vietnam: Tuan Manh, Van Hoan, Ngoc Thinh, Tien Dung, Van Hau, Xuan Truong, Hoang Thinh (Huu Dung 86’), Thanh Trung, Van Quyet, Anh Duc (Hong Quan 75’), Cong Phuong.
Cambodia: Sou Yaty, Rous Samoeun, Sor Piseth, Soeuy Visal, Khuon Laboravy, Keo Sokpheng, Chan Vathanaka (Brak Thiva 77’), In Sodavid, Tit Dina, Chhn Chhoeun, Bin Chanthacheary.
2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification table – Group C
Source: dtinews.vn