Vietnam and the Philippines played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Group B encounter at the 2024 ASEAN Championship. With this result, Vietnam maintained their lead at the top of the group with seven points.
Indonesia and Myanmar are hot on their heels, tied for second place with four points each, setting up an exciting conclusion to the group stage.
The Philippines, sitting in fourth place with three points, are still in contention, while Laos have been eliminated.
It was a dramatic game that saw Vietnam equalize in the dying moments. The Vietnamese side fielded an unfamiliar lineup and struggled to impose themselves on the game.
An early penalty appeal was turned down after a VAR review, and Vietnam found themselves in a stalemate, lacking fluidity and coordination.
|
|
| Intense battle: Vietnamese (red jersey) and Philippine players vie for the ball. Photo: Huu Tan |
Their attempts on goal came from difficult positions, failing to trouble the Philippine defense.
A surprising substitution was made by coach Kim Sang Sik in the second half, taking off Nguyen Quang Hai with the score still goalless. Nguyen Hoang Duc’s introduction failed to swing the game in Vietnam’s favor.
A rare chance fell to Vu Van Thanh in the 61st minute, but his effort crashed against the crossbar. Meanwhile, a moment of misjudgment from Khuat Van Khang allowed Jarvey Gayoso to score for the Philippines in the 68th minute.
|
|
| Celebration: Philippine players celebrate after taking the lead. Photo: Huu Tan |
Vietnam pushed forward with more urgency but lacked cohesion. As the match entered stoppage time, fortune favored Vietnam. A corner kick caused chaos in the Philippine box, and Doan Ngoc Tan headed home to equalize dramatically.
With this narrow escape, Vietnam now have seven points but must still secure their place in the knockout stages.
Their final group game against Myanmar in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam, on Saturday will be crucial. Vietnam will advance with a win or draw against Myanmar or if they lose by a narrow margin and the Indonesia-Philippines match ends in a draw.
|
|
| Crucial clash: Vietnamese (red jersey) and Philippine players fight for possession. Photo: Huu Tan |
However, a two-goal defeat to Myanmar, coupled with an Indonesia win, would eliminate them due to an inferior goal difference in a three-way tie.
The tournament, which began on December 8, will conclude with the finale on January 5, 2025. Vietnam, in Group B, face a challenging path to reach the semifinals, with their fate dependent on their final group game.
Group A features strong sides like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, adding further intrigue to the tournament’s closing stages.
The group stage will determine the top two teams from each group who will advance to the semifinals, with a two-legged knockout format deciding the tournament winners.
Vietnam are determined to go all the way and claim the ASEAN Championship title.
Vietnam Debunks False Claims of Ha Long Bay’s UNESCO Status Revocation
Rumors circulating on social media about UNESCO considering the removal of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay from its World Natural Heritage List are completely unfounded, according to an official statement by the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Hanoi Tourism: Forging a Sustainable Future
As the city embarks on a new year, it turns its attention to fostering a more sustainable and holistic approach to development, with a view to elevating its tourism experience and amplifying its positive impact.
Midfielder’s Magic: Vietnam’s Triumph Over Indonesia in the ASEAN Championship
Vietnam secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Indonesia in their second group stage match of the 2024 ASEAN Championship on Sunday evening. The game, hosted in the northern province of Phu Tho, saw Vietnam rise to the top of Group B with a perfect six points from two games.
