>>> Vietnam thrash Tajikistan 10-4
Starting the game with must-win mentality, Vietnamese players coped well with a tense start to the match.
Meanwhile, with a physical advantage, Kuwait’s players continuously threatened the host’s goal during the first five minutes with a range of dangerous attacks. However, goalkeeper Phuoc Anh’s experience and bravery denied Kuwait efforts in seeking the opener.
The Vietnam team gradually regained control of the game, but impatience by coach Bruno Garcia Formoso’s players wasted opportunities to open the scoring for Vietnam.
The deadlock came to an end in the 18th minute, as Trong Luan made a surprise shot towards Kuwait’s goal and Ahmad in his effort to clear the ball scored an own goal, to put Vietnam ahead 1-0.
Inspired by the opener, Vietnam strengthened its attacks and four minutes after the second half began, Trong Luan again made a concise finish from Van Vu’s pass to widen the gap to 2-0 for the home team, creating an unexpected advantage.
Kuwait responded to Vietnam’s two-goal lead by using power-play tactics to increase its attacks and they narrowed the gap to 1-2 in the last minute of the game.
This result was enough for Vietnam to win a ticket to the quarter-finals with second ranking in Group A.
In the other match of the same group, Iraq beat Tajikistan 6-1 to earn six points after three games, the same as Vietnam and Kuwait. However, with the goal difference, Vietnam and Kuwait won two tickets to the quarter-final round.
Vietnam will face Iran, the first ranked team in Group B and the favourite to win the championship title, on May 7. Kuwait (first ranked in Group A) will play Australia (second ranked in Group B) on the same day.
