Following their 4-1 win over Timor Leste in the opening game two days ago, Vietnam set their sights on another three points against Malaysia. However, despite their intentions, coach Diego Giustozzi’s players faced numerous challenges against strong opponents.
Malaysia actually started better, continuously launching powerful shots at the goal defended by goalkeeper Pham Van Tu. On a brilliant day, the Vietnamese goalkeeper managed to block all of the opponent’s attempts.
Not until the second half of the first period did coach Diego Giustozzi’s team start to perform better. Captain Pham Duc Hoa made several interceptions from Malaysian players, initiating fast counterattacks for his teammates.
After the break, the Vietnamese players picked up the pace, putting significant pressure on the opponents’ goal. In the 25th minute, they quickly executed a corner kick, creating an opportunity for Thinh Phat to head the ball into Malaysia’s net. However, the goal was disallowed as the referees determined that the corner kick was taken before the main referee’s signal.
The Vietnam Futsal team didn’t have to wait long for a breakthrough. In the 27th minute, a Malaysian player handled the ball in the penalty area, giving Vietnam a 6-meter penalty. Tu Minh Quang stepped up and converted it accurately, opening the score.
After the goal, the team continued to play beautifully, creating multiple scoring opportunities. In the 33rd minute, Thai Huy fired a powerful shot that struck the Malaysian goalpost. Then, during a fast counterattack a minute later, Thinh Phat unleashed a strong left-footed shot into the roof of the net, extending Vietnam’s lead.
In the remaining time, Malaysia played in a power play formation, to try to score, but they were unsuccessful. The match ended with a 2-0 victory for the Vietnam Futsal team.
With two wins in a row, Vietnam now hold a strong chance of advancing to the semifinals. On November 5, they are scheduled to take on underdogs Brunei.
Vietnam are playing in Group A alongside Timor Leste, Malaysia, Brunei and Thailand.
Group B sees Indonesia to encounter Myanmar, Australia and Cambodia.
The 2024 AFF Futsal Championship is taking place from November 2 to 10 in Thailand. The teams will compete in a round-robin format to accumulate points for ranking, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals.
