U19 Vietnam cruise to AFF Cup final

(VOV) – Hosts Vietnam delivered a convincing performance in their rematch against U19 Myanmar and their persuasive 4-1 victory earned them a ticket to the final clash with U19 Japan of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U19 Nutifood Cup.

A 3-4 loss to U19 Myanmar in the recent U22 AFF Cup final taught Vietnamese players valuable lessons, and errors were rectified by Coach Graechen Guillaume’s men in their semi-final match of the AFF Cup U19 Nutifood in Hanoi on September 11.

With strong support of tens of thousands of home fans, Vietnamese players took control of the match at the beginning, and their offensive tactic proved effective.

 

Under mounting pressure, the visiting players could not apply their tactic as expected, letting the hosts escape the offside trap and threaten goalie Myo Min Latt.

Quang Hai, Van Toan and Van Long were awarded scoring chances, but they were refused by either goalie Myo Min Latt or the woodwork.

In the best of moods, Tuan Anh struck a superb right footed shot from outside the box to the corner of the goal, giving Vietnam the lead on 30 minutes.

While Myanmar were trying to seek an equalizer, midfielder Xuan Truong’s shot seven minutes later travelled past the goalie’s right hand with just enough curve to nestle in the net.

After the interval, Myanmar increased their pressure on Vietnam, hoping to equalize the score. However, they let Vietnamese players to take advantage of loopholes in their defence line and in a face-to-face situation on 52 minutes Van Toan won goalie Myo Min Latt, extending Vietnam’s lead.

Myanmar then dominated the game, with Aung Thu breaking the Vietnamese defence line and hammering in two minutes later.

Hosts Vietnam regained their momentum and in a lightening offensive Xuan Truong set up for Van Long to slot in, sealing a stunning 4-1 win for Vietnam.

In the upcoming September 13 final, U19 Vietnam will take on U19 Japan that defeated U19 Thailand 2-1 in another semi-final match. Vietnam lost 2-3 to Japan in the group match series.

U19 Vietnam cruise to AFF Cup final