Vietnam’s national futsal team has qualified for the 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup quarterfinals despite losing 1-2 to Thailand. (Photo: AFC) Vietnam went behind after a goal from Muhammad Osamanmusa, butequalised with Tu Minh Quang's cheeky finish. Srirangpirot then reclaimed thelead for the hosts.
Coach Diego Giustozzi's men were looking for at least a draw, butcould lose to Thailand and still advance as long as Myanmar did not win againstChina by a large deficit.
Thailand, as the favourite playing at home, were clearly incontrol from the get-go. In the 10th minute, Alongkorn Janphon forcedVietnamese goalkeeper Ho Van Y to make a crucial one-on-one save, signalling atough match ahead for Vietnam.
Just three minutes later, Osamanmusa, Thailand's danger man,opened the score for the men in royal blue with a quick decisive strike thatleft Y no chance.
Vietnam pushed forward trying to equalise in the final minutes ofthe first half, and got close in the 17th minute. Nhan Gia Hung fired abeautiful pass for Tran Thai Huy in the second post, however, the striker wastoo late and the opportunity was wasted.
Giustozzi's side started off strong in the second half, and foundtheir way into Thailand's net just one minute after the break, after Tu MinhQuang's clever finish into the bottom corner.
Vietnam played much better after the equaliser, putting the hostson the defence. However, a mistake by Nguyen Thinh Phat in the 32nd minute gaveaway possession, and Worasak Srirangpirot capitalised with a powerful shot.
With a few minutes left on the clock, Giustozzi directed hisplayers to switch to power play so Vietnam could keep possession for as long aspossible. The strategy worked well, as the men in white were able to end thematch with a 1-2 loss.
Myanmar could only muster up a 3-1 win against China, so Vietnamqualified through to the quarterfinals by a greater goal difference.
Vietnam will face the winner of Group B in the quarterfinals onApril 24./.
VNA
