Asian media praise Vietnam’s victory in World Cup qualifier
Vietnam played an outstanding match against Malaysia on October 10 and deserved their first win in the second qualifying round of the World Cup 2022, according to Asian media.
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| Midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai (in red) scores for Vietnam |
A Fox Sport Asia article spoke highly of Nguyen Quang Hai’s performance, especially the Hanoi FC star’s brilliant acrobatic volley that squeezed past the Malaysian goalie at his near post in the 40th minute.
The article also praised Vietnam’s head coach Park Hang-seo and his players, adding that Vietnam had taken advantage of their teamwork to launch their attacks.
Aside from Hai’s goal, the team in red had more chances to kill off the game, it said.
Goal.com said Vietnam once again looked the better team, as Malaysia were unable to play down the flanks that had proved so effective in previous matches.
The Vietnam backline marshalled by Que Ngoc Hai, Bui Tien Dung and Do Duy Manh proved a tough nut to crack for the Malaysian forwards, it added.
An article on the Asian Football Confederation’s website also praised the team, saying they had managed to keep Malaysia’s frontline quiet.
In the second half, Malaysia piled on the pressure but hardly threatened their rivals, who did enough to maintain their lead, it continued.
Vietnam will play Indonesia away in five days.
Vietnam are in a group with regional rivals Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as the favourites the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Vietnam battled out a goalless match with Thailand in the frenetic opener of Group G in Thailand’s Pathum Thani province on September 5.