AFC U23 Asian Cup: Vietnam beat Malaysia, advance to quarter-finals

Both Uzbekistan and Vietnam got six points each after two group matches, but the former stayed atop thanks to goal difference. They are both scheduled to meet on April 23 in their last group match to determine group winners.

In the quarter-finals, Group D winners will take on Group C second-placed team that could be either Thailand or Iraq, while Group D second-placed team are likely to play defending champions Saudi Arabia.

Back to the Vietnam vs Malaysia match, coach Hoang Anh Tuan’s players did not perform well in the first minutes, giving their Malaysian opponents, in their highly physical form, the chance to dominate the game.

Malaysian strikers several times challenged goalkeeper Van Chuan due to Vietnamese defenders’ mistakes, but they failed to take advantage of the chances.

Vietnam did not play well but made a difference thanks to a deeply personal moment. Khuat Van Khang opened the score in the 39th minute from a beautiful free kick, breaking the deadlock. This was one of the best goals of the tournament so far.

Malaysian players immediately applied the power-play tactics, hoping to earn an equalizer. However, coach Hoang Anh Tuan’s students easily neutralized the opponents’ attacks.

After the break, Vietnam continued to be on the defensive, while Malaysia remained in a state of complete deadlock.

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan made an adjustment once again that helped Vietnam score another goal.

Just a few minutes after entering the field, Bui Vi Hao who scored a brace for Vietnam in their first match against Kuwait, earned a penalty for Vietnam. From the penalty spot, Vo Hoang Minh Khoa did not miss the opportunity to extend Vietnam’s lead.

In 30 minutes later, Vietnamese players stood firm in the face of their opponents’ intense attacks.