Thailand, 5 August 2026 – Vietnam men’s futsal national team wrapped up their campaign at the 2026 Continental Futsal Championship Invitational in Thailand with a dramatic 3-3 draw against the hosts, fighting back from three goals down to preserve their unbeaten record after four matches.
Heading into the final fixture, Diego Raul Giustozzi’s side had already enjoyed an impressive run of results. Vietnam opened the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Russia before defeating New Zealand 4-1 and edging Afghanistan 2-1, building confidence ahead of their toughest test.
Thailand entered the match as the tournament favorites. Along with home-court advantage, Rakpol Saenetnam’s men had recently lifted the 2026 AFF Futsal Championship title after defeating Indonesia 2-1 in the final. Their dominant performances in Thailand included emphatic 6-0 and 6-1 victories over New Zealand and Afghanistan respectively, underlining the challenge awaiting Vietnam.
The hosts wasted little time asserting themselves. Just two minutes into the contest, Atippong capitalized on a misplaced pass from Tran Thai Huy to fire Thailand in front. Four minutes later, Panut won possession high up the court, rounded goalkeeper Ho Van Y, and calmly doubled the lead.
Vietnam responded by pushing forward in search of a breakthrough. Chau Doan Phat and Nguyen Da Hai both created promising opportunities, but neither could find the finishing touch. Thailand, however, struck again in the 14th minute as Panut completed a swift transition attack to make it 3-0, giving the hosts a commanding advantage at halftime.
Facing a three-goal deficit, Giustozzi introduced the power-play tactic after the interval in an effort to increase attacking pressure. The adjustment gradually shifted the momentum, and Vietnam finally found a way through in the 30th minute when Chau Doan Phat produced a composed finish to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
The goal sparked Vietnam into life. Four minutes later, Tu Minh Quang unleashed a powerful effort to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finish. Continuing to press with the power-play formation, Vietnam completed their remarkable comeback in the 37th minute when Nguyen Da Hai converted clinically to level the score at 3-3.
Both teams continued to search for a winner during the closing stages, creating several dangerous chances, but neither side could break the deadlock. The entertaining contest ended with honors even after an action-packed six-goal encounter.
The draw ensured Vietnam completed the 2026 Continental Futsal Championship Invitational without suffering a defeat. Over the course of the tournament, Giustozzi’s squad drew 2-2 with Russia, defeated New Zealand 4-1, overcame Afghanistan 2-1, and battled back to earn a 3-3 draw against hosts Thailand.
Remaining unbeaten against a series of strong international opponents represents another encouraging step forward for Vietnam as they continue their preparations for the major competitions ahead.
VSN/RPT
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