Sweet victory for Vietnam in 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal

Vietnamese players had home fans on their feet as they came from behind to beat hosts Malaysia 2-1 in their first-leg semifinal match at Shah Alam Stadium in Selangor on December 7.

Vietnamese players celebrate their second goal scored by Van Quyet (number 10).

The red-colour team demonstrated an excellent combating spirit playing offensively during the majority of the game.

Yet to find a way to Vietnam’s goal, Malaysia were suddenly awarded a penalty after 13 minutes as the Chinese referee, Ning Ma deemed that Vietnam’s Huy Hung let his hand touch the ball in an unclear situation.

Malaysian captain Safiq Rahim put his team ahead with a successful converter, however, the goal proved not enough to discourage the Vietnamese warriors.

The guests continued playing with great determination, pouring waves of attacks on the host side. Their unceasing efforts paid off with a convincing equaliser in the 32nd minute as Malaysian goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat brilliantly blocked Van Quyet’s strike but failed to address the second attempt by Huy Toan right afterward.

The second half saw several noticeable line-up changes made by Vietnam’s coach Toshiya Miura, notably Mac Hong Quan replacing Thanh Luong. The change proved effective immediately as substitute Hong Quan delivered a decisive pass after just a few minutes into field to help Van Quyet score the second goal for Vietnam at the hour mark.

Malaysia made concerted efforts in the remainder of the match seeking to level up the score, however, their attacks were not sharp enough to sneak through Vietnam’s effective defence.

The 2-1 first leg victory gifted Vietnam a huge advantage ahead of their second leg game at My Dinh National Stadium in three days’ time.

In another semifinal match in Manila on December 6, Thailand and the Philippines got off to a goalless draw.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)