Viet Nam faces tough task at Millennium Cup after defeat to Aussies

HA NOI – Viet Nam must play hard in their last match of the Millennium Football Cup if they want overall victory after their loss at Ha Noi’s My Dinh National Stadium toAustralia yesterday.

The host lost 0-2 to Australia’s U23 team in the second round match of the tournament, which is being held as one of the activities to celebrate the capital’s 1000th anniversary.

The defeat pushed the hosts down the rankings table to second place with three points.Australia are still in third place after their win.

Meanwhile, the North Korean U23 team played to their second victory yesterday to climb to the top. They beat Kuwait’s U23 team 1-0. After losing their second match, the western Asian team has no chance of taking home the champion’s title.

Viet Nam, who played very well in their first match against Kuwait, did not find their peak yesterday. In fact, their defence was loose and their blunt forwards and passive midfielders proved no challenge to the visitors.

Australia were able to take advantage of the situation to set the pace of the game and do whatever they wanted.

In the 20th minute, Jason Michael Hoffman tapped a close-range ball into the net after several passes to and from his teammates in the box.

The opening goal for Australia was attributed to big mistake by halfback Le Phuoc Tu and Vu Nhu Thanh who had a misunderstanding and let an Australian forward break the defensive line.

After the goal loss, Viet Nam with three replacements played much better and gradually rebuilt the team to catch up with the pace of the match.

However, Australia still managed to destroy the home team. James Rodney broke the off-side trap to face goalkeeper Duong Hong Son and beat him easily for the second goal.

Things did not change for the host despite a twelve minute break for coach Henrique Calisto to talk with his players and set up new tactics.

The Portuguese coach made two more changes, with two strikers put on the field, but in the end they failed to improve the situation for Viet Nam.

The host had several chances to narrow the score, mainly from veteran Le Tan Tai, but they were unsuccessful.

In the last round match, Viet Nam will play North Korea while Australia will meet Kuwaittomorow. — VNS