Vietnam drew with Lebanon on Jan. 6, which means Syria and China will go through to the final of the Asian Football Federation (AFC) Asian Cup 2011.
Vietnam were held 1-1 by hosts Lebanon in their fifth group D match.
Meanwhile, also in group D, China and Syria’s encounter ended in a goalless draw in Zhejiang. The group’s top two teams are now on 10 points, which means they are through to next year’s final.
Vietnam finished third with five points, while Lebanon remained in last place with one points.
As the winning team in their first leg match in Hanoi with Lebanon , Vietnam were expected to easily defeat the hosts. However, they faced a number of challenges ahead of the game, such as a grueling 30-hour flight to Beirut Municipality Stadium and unfamiliar food. They were also without four key players – keeper Duong Hong Son, striker Le Cong Vinh and halfbacks Phan Van Tai Em and Huynh Quang Thanh.
The hosts, who were forced to play in an empty stadium due to a FIFA ruling, opened the score in the 20 th minute.
Ahmad El Khodor jumped up to receive a ball from a free kick to the box and headed it to Ali El Atat who tapped it in.
About 20 minutes later, captain Nguyen Thanh Luong levelled for Vietnam with a 15m shot.
Both teams tried to play attacking football but they were thwarted by good defensive work.
The last round of the group on January 17 will see China play Vietnam and Syria play Lebanon./.
Vietnam were held 1-1 by hosts Lebanon in their fifth group D match.
Meanwhile, also in group D, China and Syria’s encounter ended in a goalless draw in Zhejiang. The group’s top two teams are now on 10 points, which means they are through to next year’s final.
Vietnam finished third with five points, while Lebanon remained in last place with one points.
As the winning team in their first leg match in Hanoi with Lebanon , Vietnam were expected to easily defeat the hosts. However, they faced a number of challenges ahead of the game, such as a grueling 30-hour flight to Beirut Municipality Stadium and unfamiliar food. They were also without four key players – keeper Duong Hong Son, striker Le Cong Vinh and halfbacks Phan Van Tai Em and Huynh Quang Thanh.
The hosts, who were forced to play in an empty stadium due to a FIFA ruling, opened the score in the 20 th minute.
Ahmad El Khodor jumped up to receive a ball from a free kick to the box and headed it to Ali El Atat who tapped it in.
About 20 minutes later, captain Nguyen Thanh Luong levelled for Vietnam with a 15m shot.
Both teams tried to play attacking football but they were thwarted by good defensive work.
The last round of the group on January 17 will see China play Vietnam and Syria play Lebanon./.
