International Friendly LPBank 2024: Vietnam National Team 1-2 Thailand National Team
Tiến Linh opened the scoring for the Vietnam national team, but defensive mistakes led to coach Kim Sang Sik and his team losing to Thailand in a comeback during the LPBank 2024 international friendly match on the evening of September 10 at Mỹ Đình National Stadium. This match is one of two games during the September 2024 FIFA Days, as part of Vietnam’s preparation for the 2024 AFF Championship.
11/09/2024 15:28:39
The Vietnam national team made six changes compared to the match against Russia, with Nguyễn Filip, Hồng Duy, Xuân Mạnh, Văn Đức, Tiến Linh, and Quang Hải appearing in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Thailand had five foreign-born players in their starting eleven, including Jonathan Khemde, Elias Dolah, Patrik Gustavsson, Mickelson, and Gabbrel Weidersjoe.
The first 20 minutes were played at a moderate pace as both teams approached the game cautiously. The surprise came in the 21st minute when Quế Ngọc Hải made a long pass from the defensive half, allowing Tiến Linh to break free from the opposing defenders. After outmuscling Elias, the Bình Dương striker delivered a shot to open the scoring.
After scoring the goal, Tiến Linh clasped his hands together and directed his gesture towards the people affected by the floods
One might have expected this goal to give coach Kim Sang Sik’s players the momentum to press forward. Unfortunately, a brief lapse in concentration cost Vietnam dearly. In the 26th minute, after a free kick from Worachit, Elias Dolah escaped Thanh Bình’s marking and headed the ball to the far post, allowing Suphanat to finish from close range, leveling the score at 1-1.
In the 41st minute, Hồng Duy missed a clearance, giving Gustavsson an opportunity to shoot from close range, but Nguyễn Filip made an excellent save. However, on the second attempt, the naturalized striker increased the score to 2-1 for Thailand. The first half ended with chances for both sides. Notably, Tiến Linh had a perfect first touch from a long pass and laid the ball back, but Quang Hải’s shot was denied by goalkeeper Patiwat.
At the start of the second half, Hoàng Đức was brought on to replace Văn Trường with the aim of increasing Vietnam’s attacking presence in midfield. Despite better ball control, the Vietnam national team struggled to break through the opponent’s defense. The most notable chance in the early minutes came when Văn Đức controlled the ball and turned to shoot with his left foot, but the ball went straight to Patiwat.
Coach Kim Sang Sik was forced to make changes in the 60th minute in an attempt to break through. Vĩ Hào and Văn Thanh were brought on to replace Xuân Mạnh and Hùng Dũng. At this point, Quang Hải was moved to pair with Hoàng Đức in central midfield. The adjustments continued in the 70th minute, with Tuấn Hải replacing Văn Đức. Vietnam managed to create a solid game, pushing the opponent back into a defensive position. However, Tiến Linh, Tuấn Hải, and Vĩ Hào failed to deliver effective chances near the goal.
In the final ten minutes, Vietnam brought on Đinh Thanh Bình and Tuấn Tài in a last attempt to equalize. That moment nearly came in the 84th minute. After efforts by Đinh Thanh Bình and Vĩ Hào, Tuấn Hải set up Hoàng Đức for a shot that deflected off an opponent. Goalkeeper Patiwat was beaten, but the crossbar denied the goal. Shortly after, Tiến Linh’s header also failed to find the back of the net.
Vietnam National Team Lineup: Nguyễn Filip (GK), Hồng Duy (Tuấn Tài 84’), Thanh Bình, Quế Ngọc Hải (Đinh Thanh Bình 84’), Thành Chung, Xuân Mạnh (Văn Thanh 60’), Hùng Dũng (Vĩ Hào 60’), Văn Trường (Hoàng Đức 46’), Văn Đức (Tuấn Hải 70’), Tiến Linh, Quang Hải.
