At the match (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – U20 Argentina crushedU22 Vietnam 5-0 in a friendly match at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi onMay 14.
The visitors quickly scored the openinggoal in the 15th minute after a spectacular kick by ColombattoSantiago. Goalkeeper Phi Minh Long could not save the goal although he threwhis body at the ball at top speed.
Before the first half closed, PalaciosExequiel Alejandro scored two goals to help Argentina take a 3-0 lead.
Vietnam’s loss showed that the defence linedid not play effectively, allowing their rivals to easily score goals.
Coach Nguyen Huu Thang made fiveadjustments in the second half of the match, but his players could not reduceArgentina’s attacks. However, Vietnamese strikers and midfielders createdseveral chances in front of Argentina’s goal.
Javier Martinez met injury after clashingwith goalie Long in the 60th minute. He could not continue to play and wasimmediately admitted to hospital.
In the 64th minute, Senesi BaronMarcos Nicolas raised the score to 4-0 for his team.
Just 18 minutes later, Ponce Ezequiel puthis header past goalkeeper Long to fix the 5-0 score for Argentina.
This friendly match was a warm-up forVietnam ahead of the U23 Asia qualifying round and Southeast Asia (SEA) Games29.
Despite losing to Argentina, coach Thang isnot sad about the result.
“Argentina are a world-class football team.They are in good form for the U20 World Cup”, said Thang.
He said Vietnam will play better if theyhave midfielder Luong Xuan Truong who is playing for Gangwon FC, and Nguyen VanToan who is injured.
“We still have time before the Sea Games. Istill have key players, Truong and Toan, so I will have many changes ahead ofthe Games”, said Thang.
Meanwhile, coach Claudio Fernando Ubeda ofArgentina said Vietnam played very well, creating pressure on his players.
Argentina also defeated U20 Vietnam 1-4 onMay 10 at the Thong Nhat Stadium in HCM City.
It was the final preparation for both teamsahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup in the RoK.-VNA
