Looking back at Vietnam's 2-0 win over UAE: Asia's earthquake
The Vietnamese national teams have met the UAE many times. But only once did Vietnam defeat the UAE. The victory in the 2007 Asian Cup finals was considered a continental earthquake.
UAE coach Bruno Metsu is known as a wizard. He helped Senegal beat champions France in the 2002 World Cup and helped the African team reach the quarterfinals of that tournament.
But the late coach Bruno Metsu did not expect that he would have to experience the feeling of defeat against a dark horse. When his powerful UAE was defeated by Vietnam.
Vietnam's squad at that time included goalkeeper Duong Hong Son; defenders Quang Thanh, Nhu Thanh, Huy Hoang, Van Nhien; midfielders Tan Tai, Minh Phuong (Tai Em, Vu Phong) and strikers Cong Vinh, Thanh Binh. The three players who came on as substitutes were Minh Chuyen, Phuc Hiep and Anh Duc - who will join the Vietnamese Olympic team to face the UAE Olympic team in the Bronze medal match at 3:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.
Back to that match, in the first 45 minutes, UAE played proactively, with more dangerous shots. But the overall playing style was not too fast and not very varied.
Even their defense was confused several times by the confident and methodical counterattacks of the Vietnamese team, even though coach Riedl arranged the team low and played with almost only two lines to concentrate troops on defense right from the middle of the field.
Meanwhile, Vietnam showed great composure, defending extremely focused even though Huy Hoang and Nhu Thanh were both dangerously passed.
In the 15th minute, Thanh Binh jumped high to head the ball from close range after a free kick from his teammate, but the ball missed the post by a hair. In the 20th minute, VN had a central combination. Cong Vinh passed the ball to Tai Em who shot over the bar. There was no goal, but this situation showed that the home team was very proactive in coordinating and finding ways to break through the opponent's defense.
In the second half, UAE increased the speed. But the wasted opportunities cost them dearly. In the 62nd minute, Minh Phuong chipped the ball over the heads of the white players, Thanh Binh missed his shot right in the penalty area. But Quang Thanh rushed down and shot hard from close range with his right foot, when the opposing goalkeeper was already struggling.
In the 73rd minute, receiving a pass from midfield, Cong Vinh rushed after the ball in a 2-on-2 situation. He decided to shoot right over the head of the UAE goalkeeper who was already high up. The ball went into the empty net in the extreme excitement of the home fans. Vietnam beat UAE 2-0. A historic victory and opened the way to the quarterfinals for Vietnam afterwards.
