Vietnam out of WC qualifying after heavy defeat

Vietnam exited the first qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup 2010 after a 6-0 aggregate defeat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Alfred Riedl”s men lost 1-0 at home on October 8 and suffered a 5-0 crushing defeat in Abu Dhabi on October 28.

Ismael Matar opened the scoring for Bruno Metsu”s side on 13 minutes and Ahmad Al Mahri doubled the advantage five minutes before the break. Mohamed Al Shehhi, Nawaf Al Darmaki and Saeed Al Kass, scored three more goals in the second half as the UAE secured a big win to advance to the next round.

Coach Riedl changed Vietnam”s formation from 4-4-2 to 4-1-4-1 for his visit to Abu Dhabi in an attempt to surprise hosts UAE.

Binh Duong skipper Tran Truong Giang was given a chance to play as an anchor midfielder and his teammate Nguyen Anh Duc was dropped to the bench to pave the way.

Rihgtback Huynh Quang Thanh, who missed the home game due to injury, returned to fill the gap left by sidelined Doan Viet Cuong.

Vietnam started the game with great determination to Smake impossible possible⬝ as coach Riedl said in Hanoi 20 days ago.

However, their hopes were dented after 13 minutes. The UAE”s most dangerous man, Matar, showed his top class as he powered a 25 metre finish, which gave Duong Hong Son no chances.

One minute later, Matar beat centreback Vu Nhu Thanh but his shot a one-on-one with Hong Son was over the bar.

Going 1-0 down, Vietnam failed to threaten the UAE solid defence. At their end, Hong Son”s goal was always under threat.     

Five minutes before the break, Matar combined with Ahmad Al Mahri to set up Mahri with good backheeled pass for the UAE”s second goal. 

After the break, Vietnam had their first opportunity in the game with leftback Phung Van Nhien and skipper Nguyen Minh Phuong played a one-two to crack the UAE defence, but Van Hien”s 10 metre finish went wide.

The UAE played a counter attack game and made it 3-0 ten minutes into the second half. Al Shehhi headed home the third after a fine cross by Matar, who beat centreback Nguyen Huy Hoang.

Vietnam came close to scoring a consolation goal with substitute Phan Thanh Binh heading on Vu Phong”s freekick. However, UAE goalkeeper Walid made a good save to deny.

Damarki, whose freekick was denied by Hong Son on 73 minutes, added the fourth in closing minute with a distance shot.

Van Nhien fouled Matar in the box as the UAE were awarded a spot kick on stoppage time and Al Kass made no mistake, sealing a 5-0 victory for the hosts.

Nhan dan