Entering the match with one point ahead of Saudi Arabia, who had lost both previous matches, Vietnam needed only a draw to finish third, while a win could potentially earn them the runner-up position.

Despite the stakes, head coach Cristiano Roland made significant changes to the starting lineup, opting to give more players match experience rather than focusing solely on victory. Key players like Xuan Hoa, Nguyen Trong Dai Nhan, and Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc started on the bench.

The match proved to be a tough challenge. Saudi Arabia dominated early, pushing high in search of the opening goal. Goalkeeper Chu Ba Huan stood out with a series of brilliant saves, but in the 27th minute, Saudi captain Abdullah Al Dawsari broke the deadlock with a sharp finish from a teammate’s low cross.

Vietnam responded quickly. Just three minutes later, Nguyen Le Quang Khoi, son of former striker Quang Hai, received a cross from the right and slotted in a precise finish to equalise 1-1. The score remained unchanged until halftime.

In the second half, coach Roland adjusted the tactics, slowing the tempo and strengthening the defence. The match’s turning point came in the 57th minute when Saudi Arabia were awarded a penalty. However, their striker hit the crossbar, missing the chance to extend their lead.

Despite continued pressure from Saudi Arabia, they couldn’t find a way past goalkeeper Ba Huan. Then, in the 77th minute, Chu Ngoc Nguyen Luc from Hanoi FC stepped up and delivered a stunning free kick from 20 meters out, putting Vietnam ahead 2-1.

Vietnam held on to that lead until the final whistle, defeating their strong opponents and temporarily securing third place ahead of the late match between China and Australia slated for 18:30.

Vietnam and China share spoils in CFA Team China 2025 friendly

VOV.VN - In a thrilling match at the ongoing CFA Team China 2025 tournament in Inner Mongolia on May 30, Vietnam U16s staged a dramatic comeback to draw 2-2 with hosts China U16 after trailing by two goals in the first half.