U22 Vietnam early won ticket to semi-finals after defeating U22 Malaysia

Van Tung scored a double to help U22 Vietnam win against U22 Malaysia. Photo: Hai Hoang

After winning two consecutive victories against U22 Laos and U22 Singapore, U22 Vietnam entered the third round to meet U22 Malaysia. This is the opponent that will compete directly with U22 Vietnam for the ticket to the semi-finals. If they win, coach Troussier and his team will soon decide their own fate in Group B.

In this match, Ho Van Cuong of Song Lam Nghe An club continued to be highly regarded by the French coach. This player was used in the role of right winger. Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Dinh Xuan Tien was still kept on the bench by coach Troussier. The central midfield duo were still two familiar players, Duc Phu and Thai Son.

Ho Van Cuong is an important link in the U22 Vietnam squad. Photo: Hai Hoang

With the important nature of deciding the ticket to the next round of U22 Vietnam, as soon as the ball rolled, the Golden Star players entered with full determination. Coach Troussier's students did not hesitate to push up the squad, playing pressing right on the opponent's field. The initiative in imposing the playing style helped U22 Vietnam completely control the game and limit the physical strength and speed of the U22 Malaysia strikers.

However, thanks to luck, U22 Vietnam was able to score the opening goal of the match. In the 5th minute, a defender of U22 Malaysia carelessly let the ball touch his hand in the penalty area. The referee then awarded U22 Vietnam a penalty. Van Tung made no mistake as he helped U22 Vietnam take the lead.

After the goal, U22 Vietnam took the initiative to play defensive counter-attacks, with reasonable transitions. However, the heavy rain at Prince Stadium, Cambodia made the short, technical play of the Golden Star players difficult. However, in the 33rd minute, U22 Vietnam still scored a goal to double the gap. From a lightning attack on the left wing, Minh Trong made an accurate cross into the penalty area for Van Tung to cut in and head the ball into the opponent's net.

Van Tung is always ready to create danger to the opponent's goal. Photo: Hai Hoang

After conceding the goal, U22 Malaysia rose up strongly. With the advantage in physique and physical strength, coach E.Elavarasan's team continuously created threats towards Quan Van Chuan's goal.

That helped the team score a goal to shorten the gap when there were less than 2 minutes left in the first half. From a free kick on the right wing of Malaysia, Quan Van Chuan failed to catch the ball, creating an opportunity for the opposing striker to rush in and shoot, scoring a goal against U22 Vietnam.

Entering the second half, with the excitement gained after the goal at the end of the first half, U22 Malaysia made many sudden attacks. That caused a lot of confusion for the central defenders of U22 Vietnam. If he had been luckier, Akmal would have had the opportunity to bring the match back to the starting line. However, this midfielder's shot hit Quang Van Chuan's post.

The difficulties of U22 Vietnam only ended when 2 U22 Malaysia players were sent off by the referee. In the 78th minute, Safwan Mazlan had a dirty act and received a direct red card from the referee. 2 minutes later, Akmal fouled Thanh Nhan from behind and received a second yellow card and had to leave the field.

With only 9 players left on the field, coach E.Elavarasan's plans completely collapsed. U22 Malaysia no longer had enough strength to create attacks and had to accept a 1-2 defeat against U22 Vietnam.

Winning with a minimal score helped coach Troussier and his team officially enter the semi-finals of Sea Games 32 before 1 round.