Vietnam to play Malaysia in AFF Futsal Championship semifinals

Vietnam have set up a semifinal clash with Malaysia at the AFF Futsal Championship 2017, after making light work of Myanmar 3-0 in their last Group A match at Phu Tho Indoor Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, on October 30.
 

Vietnam complete the group stage with a four-game winning run.

Ahead of the meeting, Vietnam and Myanmar had already secured a place in the semifinal round with three wins for each team. However, both teams wished to triumph in their head-to-head encounter in order to finish as the group winners, which would help them to avoid an early clash with the odds-on title favourites, Thailand.

Despite being level on nine points, Vietnam had the upper hand on goal difference; so a draw would be enough to gift Coach Miguel Rodrigo’s side the top spot in Group A.

Vietnam demonstrated their determination to win by playing offensively right from the kick-off. Their dominance was soon materialised in the 14th minute with an opener by Trong Luan.

The second-half scenario remained unchanged as Vietnam continued to overwhelm the Myanmar side.

Despite being on the back foot, Myanmar remained patient in their attacks, waiting for Vietnam to make mistakes.

In the last few minutes, all of the five Myanmar players poured into the Vietnamese half seeking a goal to reverse the situation.

However, their strategy proved counterproductive, as Rodrigo’s side scored two additional goals with 20 seconds left to play, thanks to Ngoc Son and Van Huy, thereby sealing a convincing 3-0 victory for Vietnam.

Completing the group stage with a four-match winning streak, Vietnam finished on top of Group A with 12 points, and will take on the Group B runners-up, Malaysia, in their semifinal clash on the afternoon of November 1.

The remaining semifinal will take place on the same day, between Myanmar and Group B winners, Thailand.

By advancing to the semifinals of the AFF Championship, Vietnam, together with the three other semifinalists, have also made their way through to the AFC Futsal Championship 2018.

(Source: NDO)