2024 ASEAN Futsal Championship Final: Vietnam misses out on the championship title
The Vietnam Futsal National Team concluded the 2024 ASEAN Futsal Championship as runners-up, after a 0-2 defeat to Indonesia in the final on the evening of November 10. After the match, the Vietnam Football Federation’s (VFF) Executive Committee offered encouragement and praised the team for their determined and resilient performance throughout the tournament.
11/11/2024 14:38:04
For the first time in 12 years, the Vietnam Futsal National Team reached the final of the ASEAN Futsal Championship. Their opponents in the final were Indonesia, a familiar foe that had made its third consecutive appearance in the championship match.
The difference in experience was evident in the first half of the encounter. In the second minute, the defending runners-up, Indonesia, quickly put pressure on goalkeeper Văn Tú. A minute later, Wendy Ick unleashed a fast shot from a distance, heading straight for Văn Tú’s position. Following that, Soumilena skillfully maneuvered around Vietnam’s defense and struck a powerful diagonal shot. At that moment, Nhan Gia Hưng made a timely and decisive block, preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
The sustained pressure from Indonesia eventually paid off in the 7th minute. From a well-executed move starting on the left wing, the Indonesian player took a long-range shot. However, instead of aiming directly at goal, he placed the ball towards the near post, where Syaifullah had positioned himself well. As soon as the ball reached his foot, the No. 10 player easily tapped it into the net, giving Indonesia the lead.
After conceding the goal, the Vietnam Futsal team pressed forward in search of an equalizer. In the 8th minute, Thịnh Phát tried to connect with a shot from a cross on the left flank, but unfortunately for the “Golden Stars,” the ball struck the crossbar.
That was the closest Vietnam came to scoring. In the 9th and 13th minutes, Indonesia continued to create dangerous opportunities in front of goalkeeper Văn Tú. Syaifullah emerged as Indonesia’s most dangerous player, using quick feints and sharp movements with his foot to leave the Vietnamese defenders scrambling. Vietnam was lucky as Syaifullah’s shots went off target on both occasions.
In the 13th minute, Châu Đoàn Phát lost possession twice in dangerous areas. If it hadn’t been for Văn Tú’s quick reflexes, Indonesia could have added another goal. The following minutes saw some clever play from Indonesia’s Ala. For example, in the 18th minute, Samuel Eko executed a quick feint, turned, and took a rapid diagonal shot. Once again, luck was on Vietnam’s side as the ball narrowly missed the goalpost.
In the second half, Coach Diego Giustozzi’s team increased the tempo, hoping to find an equalizer. In the 22nd minute, Thịnh Phát tried his luck with a long-range shot that went over the goalkeeper, but unfortunately, the ball sailed over the crossbar.
Then, in the 26th minute, Vietnam had a promising chance when Thịnh Phát received the ball near the penalty area. He used his skill to deceive the Indonesian defender, but his final shot lacked accuracy. One minute later, a well-executed attack down the left wing saw the ball pass to Ngọc Ánh in a clear position. However, the young player’s right-footed shot was too weak and failed to trouble the Indonesian goalkeeper.
The Vietnamese team continued to press for opportunities. In the 36th minute, the red-clad team organized an attack down the left side. Đoàn Phát crossed the ball into the box for Thịnh Phát, who shot from just over a meter out. But once again, the Indonesian goalkeeper made a timely save. In the following minutes, Vietnam shifted to a power-play strategy. Nhan Gia Hưng had several attempts on goal, but the Indonesian goalkeeper continued to perform brilliantly, making a series of crucial saves.
In their bid to equalize, Vietnam took risks, but in the 89th minute, they conceded a second goal. Playing the power play meant that Nhan Gia Hưng had to leave the goal to join the attack, inadvertently creating space for Rizki Xavier to score from long range, sealing a 2-0 victory for Indonesia.
With this result, Indonesia claimed their second ASEAN Futsal Championship title in history, while Vietnam had to settle for second place.
