Slim hope for Vietnam at AFF Cup 2012
Vietnam lost 0-1 to underdog rivals the Philippines in the second Group A match on November 27, leaving their chance to enter the semi-finals undecided.
With hosts Thailand’s 4-0 win over Myanmar the same day, hope for Vietnam has become slim as they must outplay Thailand, and Myanmar must either win or draw with the Philippines in their last group A matches.
In the first minutes of the match, Vietnam took initiative to attack the Philippines’ goal. Tan Tai had an opportunity to open the scoring, but his shot did not cause any difficulty for goal-keeper Eduard Sacapano.
Vietnam took control of the first half, but their attacks were all blocked by their Philippine rivals.
After the intervals, the Philippines increased pressure from the right wing which led to a shot by Philip Younghusband in the 49th minute. Luckily, he didn’t succeed in scoring a goal.
Vietnam’s coach Phan Thanh Hung replaced striker Le Cong Vinh with Nguyen Quang Hai and Pham Thanh Luong with Nguyen Van Quyet, but the substitutes didn’t encounter any dangerous situations.
While Vietnam were seeking a goal, the Philippines opened the scoring in the 85th minute. The remaining time was not enough for Vietnam to score an equaliser.
Vietnam will play hosts Thailand on November 30.