U23 Vietnam footballers after their historic victory (Photo: tuoitre.vn) Hanoi (VNA) – The national-flag carrierVietnam Airlines will increase flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City ofVietnam to Shanghai (China) to serve spectators of the Asian Football Confederation(AFC) U23 Championship.
Vietnam, the only ASEAN country advanced to thecontinental tournament’s semi-finals, will play Qatar on January 23.
The airline will also work with the VietnameseConsulate General in Shanghai to carry Vietnamese supporters free of charge fromShanghai Pudong International Airport to the venue of the match.
Vietnam continued their dream journey at the AFC U23Championship after beating Iraq 5-3 in the penalty shootout on January 20 inChangsu, China.
[Vietnam beat Iraq for Asian U23 champs’ semi-finals]
Talented goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung denied a kick from anIraqi player while all five Vietnamese players were successful with theirfinishes in the quarter-finals seesaw match - the only one happening in extratime and then penalties.
Earlier, in the official 90 minutes and nervous extratime, Vietnam drew 3-3 with the Asian powerhouse.
The Southeast Asian team’s striker Nguyen Cong Phuongopened the score in the first half, surprising not only their rivals but alsothe whole continent.
Iraq, the last championship’s bronze medalist,levelled the result with a penalty by striker Ayman Hussein some minutes later.
The second half saw efforts from both sides but noneof them bagged more goals, leading the match to the extra time which saw twogoals from both sides.
On January 20 evening right after the match, streetsin Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and other localities nationwide werecrowded with thousands of football lovers celebrating the win together with thenational flag. The victory was said to lit up faith in local fans.-VNA
