Vietnam’s futsal team secured a critical 1-0 victory over China in a tightly contested match at the Huamark Indoor Stadium, propelling them to the top of Group A in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024. This win places Vietnam in a favorable position to advance, emphasizing their strategic play and disciplined approach.
The match was a pivotal moment for Vietnam after a 1-1 draw in their opener against Myanmar. Facing a rapidly improving Chinese team, Coach Diego Giustozzi’s squad had to fight hard for opportunities. The game’s turning point came in the 11th minute when China, having accumulated six fouls, conceded a 10-meter penalty shot. Nhan Gia Hung expertly executed the shot, firing a powerful right-foot strike into the lower right corner past goalkeeper Song Zechao, giving Vietnam the lead.
Despite being a man down, China adopted an aggressive power-play strategy, limiting Vietnam’s control and avoiding further fouls. This led to a relentless first half where Vietnam’s goalkeeper, Ho Van Y, made seven crucial saves, keeping the Vietnamese lead intact.
The second half continued with high tension, with Vietnam maintaining a slight edge thanks to their defensive organization. Pham Duc Hoa’s direct strike hitting the post was the closest Vietnam came to extending their lead. Despite numerous opportunities, including five clear chances from Nguyen Thinh Phat, Vietnam could not convert, underscoring the need for more clinical finishing in future matches.
The game concluded with a nail-biting moment as Shen Siming’s late attempt struck the crossbar, securing Vietnam’s narrow win. With this victory, Vietnam leads Group A with four points, ahead of Thailand, who have yet to play their second match against Myanmar.
As the tournament progresses, Vietnam looks forward to securing at least a draw in their final group match against Thailand on April 21 to guarantee a quarterfinal spot. The AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024, held in Thailand from April 17-28, features the continent’s top 16 teams, with the best four teams qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 in Uzbekistan.
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