World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Vietnam national team bid farewell with an impressive match
The beautifully scored goal by Tuấn Hải, which carried a sense of honor, also served as Vietnam’s farewell in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
13/06/2024 11:21:32Indonesia securing an early advancement spot made the match between Vietnam and Iraq merely a formality. However, Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team entered the game with the highest determination.
The Iraq national team demonstrated their strength by continuously pressing forward, causing many waves towards the Vietnamese goalkeeper Nguyen Filip’s goal.
In the 13th minute, Iraq quickly took the lead. From a distance of nearly 30 meters, Hussein Ali unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into Vietnam’s net. After that spectacular goal, Iraq was awarded a penalty in the 17th minute, but Mohanad Ali failed to convert it accurately.
In the 41st minute, the Vietnam national team had a notable opportunity. From a pass in the middle of the field by Duc Chien towards the right flank, Văn Thanh broke free to face the Iraqi goalkeeper but failed to convert the chance.
Entering the second half, Iraq continued to dominate the game. In the 71st minute, the home team doubled their lead. Ali Jasim took a shot from outside the penalty area. The ball lightly deflected off Hoang Duc’s leg, changing direction and leaving goalkeeper Nguyen Filip helpless. Nine minutes later, Iraq managed to put the ball into Vietnam’s net for the third time, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside infringement.
In the 82nd minute, Vietnam had a response. Thanh Binh delivered the ball into the penalty area for Tien Linh to volley. The shot was aimed towards the corner, but the opposing goalkeeper managed to block it.
Tien Linh’s disappointment lasted only 2 minutes. Right after that, he and his teammates celebrated Tuấn Hải’s beautiful goal together. Following Iraq’s clearance, Tuan Hải surged forward and unleashed a long-range volley from outside the penalty area. The ball swerved and bounced off the ground before nestling into the bottom corner, leaving the Iraqi goalkeeper helpless.
However, in the second minute of stoppage time in the second half, after a shot rebounded off the crossbar from a teammate, Aymen Hussein rushed in to score, extending Iraq’s lead to 3-1.
The Iraqi national team made history by achieving a perfect record in the second round of World Cup qualifiers for the first time. Meanwhile, the Vietnam national team concluded their journey in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers with 6 points, ranking third in Group F.
According to the plan, the Vietnam national team will return to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi at 7:30 am on June 13th.
Goals:
Vietnam National Team: Tuan Hải (84′)
Iraq National Team: Hussein Ali (13′), Jasim (71′), Aymen Hussein (90’+2)
Start list:
Vietnam National Team: Nguyễn Filip, Thanh Bình, Việt Anh, Duy Mạnh, Tuấn Tài, Đức Chiến, Hoàng Đức, Văn Thanh, Văn Khang, Tiến Linh, Quang Hải.
Iraq National Team: Jalal Hassan, Ali Hussein, Ghareeb Adhamat, Tahseen Hantoosh, Ali Kadhim, Al Ani, Yahya Hajjaj, Amir Fouad, Jasim Elaibi, Amyn, Osamah Rashid.
