Vietnam team could not create a surprise against Russia team in the opening match at the LPBank Cup 2024
The Vietnam national team was unable to create a surprise against the Russia team in the opening match at the international friendly tournament, LPBank Cup 2024. This result is understandable as the opposing team is of World Cup caliber and currently ranked 33rd in the world. However, overall, the Vietnam team displayed a good performance against a strong opponent as part of their preparation for the Southeast Asian Championship, which will take place later this year.
The stifling heat, caused by the incoming effects of Typhoon No. 3, affected the players of both teams, leading to a moderate-paced start to the match. The Russian team opted for a rather simple playing style. They executed long passes and, notably, made numerous wing attacks while capitalizing well on their opportunities to score. In the 24th minute, Văn Lâm saved a header from Piniaev. However, shortly after, Vietnam’s net was shaken by an unmarked header from Kuziaev, resulting in the opening goal.
While the Vietnam national team remained focused on defense and had few offensive efforts toward goalkeeper Andrei Lunev’s goal, the Russian side almost scored again in the 40th minute. Thành Chung made a brilliant goal-line clearance after two close-range shots from Krivtsov, preventing a second goal.
In the second half, Vietnam made personnel adjustments, with Tiến Linh replacing Đinh Thanh Bình. By the 57th minute, Vĩ Hào and Tuấn Hải were also brought on, replacing Hoàng Đức and Tiến Linh. Amid these changes, Vietnam impressed with a shot from Tuấn Tài following a clever free-kick by Hùng Dũng.
Just as Vietnam was gaining momentum and establishing a decent game against the Russian team, they unfortunately conceded a goal due to a misplay by goalkeeper Văn Lâm. He mishit the ball after receiving a back pass from a teammate. This could be considered an accident for Văn Lâm, as the poor field conditions and heavy rain during the match contributed to the error.
Trailing by two goals, coach Kim Sang Sik made adjustments by bringing on Quang Hải to replace Hùng Dũng. Just as Vietnam was showing promise in attack, with Quế Hải delivering a pass for Tuấn Hải to shoot, Musaev scored easily after a cross from Prutsaev, extending Russia’s lead to 3-0. In the final 10 minutes, Vietnam pushed forward and created an impressive attacking play. Bùi Vĩ Hào stood out with a long-range shot and a well-placed pass, but Tuấn Hải’s attempt at a finish was unsuccessful.