Group A: Vietnam advance despite Thailand defeat
Bangkok: Thailand defeated Vietnam 2-1 to top Group A of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 at the Hua Mark Arena on Sunday. The defeat, however, did not prevent Vietnam from also advancing as they finished second ahead of Myanmar on goal difference with both teams tied on four points.
22/04/2024 09:05:11
Thailand came close within the first minute when Jirawat Sornwichian capitalised on Nguyen Thinh Phat’s errant pass, squaring the ball to Suphawut Thueanklang only for the 2013 AFC Futsal Player of the Year player to drag his effort wide.
Both teams jostled for possession but it was Thailand who had the better chances with Jirawat firing his effort straight into Vietnam keeper Ho Van Y in the fourth minute following Suphawut lay off, while Therdsak Charoenphong should have done better when he gained possession on the left before misfiring.
Vietnam were presented a rare opportunity in the seventh minute when Tran Nhat Trung intercepted Therdsak’s pass down the middle, but his heavy first touch was easily collected by Thailand goalkeeper Arut Senbat.
Vietnam, however, were defensively resolute with Thailand finding it the hard way when Apiwat Chaemcharoen’s through ball found Alongkorn Janphon, who did well to lose his marker on the turn but Van Y was quick to foil his approach.
The goal finally arrived for the hosts in the 12th minute when Muhammad Osamanmusa found the back of the net courtesy of Jirawat’s assist when he converted on his second attempt, turning away from his marker before slotting past Van Y.
Vietnam turned up the intensity but wasted a chance in the 17th minute when Dao Minh Quang tried to play on Pham Duc Hoa’s cross from inside the packed box, while at the other end Van Y pulled off a fine save to deny Suphawut from distance.
Vietnam took only 30 seconds after the restart to restore parity when Thinh Phat played the ball on for Tu Minh Quang, who squeezed his shot through the legs of Arut.
It was end-to-end action with Thailand fortunate in the 25th minute when Nhan Gia Hung was denied by the left post from distance, while at the other end Muhammad almost gave the two-time runners up the lead when he unleashed a powerful shot which sailed over the bar.
Thailand, however, regaied the lead in the 30th minute through Worasak Srirangpirot, who initiated the move down the left before finishing off from just above the box.
While Thailand will head into the quarter-finals with a perfect record, Vietnam will be relieved that they still have a chance.
Source: AFC
