FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021 Group D

Vietnam stumble to defeat against Brazil

There was no fairytale start for Vietnam’s 2021 World Cup campaign as the Southeast Asian side conceded a 9-1 defeat to five-time champions Brazil in their Group D opener at the Klaipeda Arena, Lithuania on the early morning of September 14.

Vietnam (in red) fail to upset Brazil in the opening match of their 2021 Futsal World Cup campaign. (Photo: FIFA)
Vietnam (in red) fail to upset Brazil in the opening match of their 2021 Futsal World Cup campaign. (Photo: FIFA)

Pham Minh Giang’s side could only manage to score a consolation during a match that saw Brazil boast their power as the odds-on title favourites with a nine-goal rout, including a 5-1 lead at half-time.

Vietnam will look to bounce back when they play Panama on Thursday (September 16), with Brazil seeking for their second victory in a clash with the Czech Republic the following day.

Brazil started strongly with Dyego, Gadeia and Ferrao all testing goalkeeper Ho Van Y and it was a matter of time before they found the back of the net, with captain Rodrigo converting Ferrao’s assist in the third minute.

Marquinhos Xavier’s troops continued to press and were rewarded with their second goal in the fifth minute after Gadeia set up for Ferrao to score.

The 30-year-old pivot threatened again by hitting the crossbar before completing a double courtesy of Marlon’s assist two minutes later.

Vietnam, however, retained their resilient fighting spirit and were rewarded in the 14th minute after Nguyen Minh Tri threaded a pass to Khong Dinh Hung, who coolly slotted home.

Khong Dinh Hung (#15) celebrates scoring Vietnam's first goal in the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania. (Photo: FIFA)

The South Americans responded immediately through Dieguinho’s fourth goal before Dyego set up Pito to add a fifth going into the break.

Ferrao completed his hat-trick just seconds after halftime with his fourth arriving in the 25th minute before goals from Dieguinho and Leonardo handed Brazil a 9-1 victory.

Thailand were denied an opening victory as Portugal came from a goal behind to defeat the Southeast Asians 4-1 in Group C on the same day.