Vietnam started on the front foot and threatened early when Phi Hoang delivered a dangerous cross in the fifth minute, but Van Khang failed to convert from close range.

The Philippines responded immediately through Sandro Reyes, a former La Masia trainee, who found space in the box but misfired with his finish.

The first half saw Vietnam dominate possession but struggle to break down a disciplined Philippine defence. Dinh Bac was booked midway through the half following a series of physical challenges, while Vietnam’s back line was briefly unsettled by a long throw-in in the 34th minute.

Vietnam’s best chance of the half came in stoppage time when Van Khang struck a powerful left-footed shot, only to see it saved by the Philippine goalkeeper.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Vietnam finding little space against a deep-lying opponent. Thanh Nhan received a yellow card in the 62nd minute for a tactical foul, while his header six minutes later drifted narrowly wide.

Vietnam finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute when Phi Hoang set up Le Van Thuan, who finished from close range to beat the Philippine defence.

Moments later, Thanh Nhan sealed the result with a well-placed free kick in stoppage time, the ball bouncing awkwardly into the net beyond goalkeeper Nicholas.

Both goals were scored by substitutes introduced by head coach Kim Sang-sik, as Vietnam advanced to their third men’s football final in the last four SEA Games.

Vietnam will face either Thailand or Malaysia in the final on December 18.

Wushu athletes take two golds for Vietnam at SEA Games 33

VOV.VN - Wushu delivered a major boost for Vietnam at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand on December 15, securing two gold medals and ending the team’s gold-medal drought of the day.