Vietnam beats Syria 1-0, entering ASIAD semifinals for first time

Van Toan scored the only goal, gaining the victory for Vietnam (Source: VNA)

Vietnam’s Olympic football team defeated Syria 1-0 in the quarterfinal match of the ongoing Asian Games 2018 (ASIAD) in Indonesia on August 27.

The only goal was scored in the 108th minute by Van Toan (number 8), who replaced striker Cong Phuong in the 82nd minute.

Vietnam will meet the Republic of Korea in the semifinals at 4 p.m. on August 29. This is the first time Vietnam has entered the semifinals of an ASIAD.

Vietnam played with confidence from the referee’s first whistle. In the 15th minute, Syria attempted a shot but it was saved by Vietnam’s goalkeeper Tien Dung.

Twenty five minutes into the game, Vietnam launched several attacks that could not, however, break through Syria’s strong defence. Vietnam’s Duy Manh got a yellow card in the 28th minute.

Syria played actively and created several dangerous situations for goalkeeper Tien Dung who managed some amazing saves.

The first half closed after one extra minute, with no goal scored.

In the 47th minute, Syria had another attempt saved by Tien Dung.

Vietnam struck a free-kick saved by the Syrian goalkeeper in the 63rd minute.

Twenty minutes into the second half, Vietnam appeared to be playing with caution, without any major attacks. In the 78th minute, Vietnam’s Van Hau received a yellow card.

In the 90th minute plus one, Syria took a corner which was again, neatly saved by goalkeeper Tien Dung.

 The main game closed with no goal scored, with the teams playing on for extra time.

Vietnam made history with its first entrance into the ASIAD quarter-finals after winning 1- 0 against Bahrain during the last stages of the 16-team knockout round for the men’s football of the ASIAD 2018 in Indonesia on August 23.

The goal, described as “more valuable than gold” by many fans and commentators, was scored by Nguyen Cong Phuong, wearing jersey number 9, in the 88th minute.

 The Asian Games is the world’s second biggest multiple sports event (after the Olympics). This year’s edition, held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, has drawn 16,000 competitors and officials from 45 countries and territories.

VNA