Vietnam are set to face Indonesia in the semifinals of the ongoing AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 after securing their Group B lead with a 2-1 win over Cambodia in an undermanned match in Myanmar late Saturday.
The two teams entered the game with opposite circumstances – Vietnam were the foregone semifinalists, having scored two straight wins against Myanmar and Malaysia in their previous group stage games earlier this week; while Cambodia were already eliminated after two consecutive losses against the same opponents.
Having already secured their place in the semifinals prior to the encounter, Vietnam put their best team on the bench while experimenting with a new starting line-up.
Vietnam’s calculations failed apart seven minutes into the game, however, after defender Dinh Luat was sent off with a direct red card for his foul play against Cambodian midfielder Vathanaka in a situation that otherwise could have meant an early goal for the Cambodians.
The foul that led to a direct red card for Vietnamese defender Dinh Luat. Footage: VTV6
Forced to play ten against 11, Vietnam opted for the counterattack strategy with the substitution of rising playmaker Cong Phuong, who until Saturday had not had the chance to play in the team’s starting formation, for midfielder Tien Dung.
Vietnam’s 31-year-old star striker Cong Vinh scored the opening goal in the 20th minute after touching the ball home following an accurate pass from his teammate Van Toan.
Continuous failed attempts to score an equalizer from the Cambodian side backfired in the 50th minute, when a sharp counterattack by the Vietnamese forced Cambodian defender Nub Tola to score an own goal while trying to block a pass.
Vietnamese forward Van Toan (21) during the group stage game between Vietnam and Cambodia at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 in Myanmar, November 26, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Having nothing left to lose, Cambodia turned all offensive and managed to find a goal in the 65th minute from a long-range shot by forward Chreng Polroth.
With Saturday’s win, Vietnam remained leaders of the championship’s Group B, consisting of Cambodia, Malaysia, hosts Myanmar and Vietnam.
Vietnam will play Group A’s runners-up Indonesia in the first leg of the semifinals on December 3 in an away game, and the two will meet again in Hanoi on December 7 for the second leg.
Group A included Thailand, hosts the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia. The Thais topped this group.
On Saturday, Myanmar secured their second place in Group B with a 1-0 victory over Malaysia, and are poised to face Group A’s leaders Thailand in the semis.
The AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 is co-hosted by Myanmar and the Philippines between November 19 and December 17.
Vietnamese fans in the group stage game between Vietnam and Cambodia in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 in Myanmar, November 26, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre
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