FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021: Vietnam crash out after close defeat to Russia

Vietnam have been knocked out of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021 after losing 2-3 against Russia in the round of 16 on Wednesday night (September 22).

Vietnam deserve praise for their brave display against world No. 4 Russia in the knockout stage of the 2021 World Cup.
Vietnam deserve praise for their brave display against world No. 4 Russia in the knockout stage of the 2021 World Cup.

Despite failing to advance, Vietnam can still keep their heads high leaving the tournament following everything they have performed.

Russia quickly proved power as the world no. 4 by putting tremendous pressure on the Vietnamese side, with naturalised Brazilian Robinho testing goalie Ho Van Y twice after only three minutes.

Russia wasted several chances before opening the scoring in the 11th minute, as Robinho played one-twos with Afanasev before shooting past Ho Van Y.

Nguyen Dac Huy almost equalised the game two minutes later as Vietnam got their best chance since the beginning of the game, but his finish was parried by Russian goleiro Putilov.

Goleiro Ho Van Y continued to show excellent reflexes by making a series of smart saves; however, he still could not prevent the European side from doubling their advantage thanks to an attempt by Chishkala two minutes before halftime.

Despite playing on the back foot, Vietnam proved things were not easy for Russia as Nguyen Dac Huy pulled back a goal seconds later by heading home a Nhan Gia Hung cross.

Vietnam's Nguyen Dac Huy (#9) celebrates scoring their first goal during the match.

The world No. 4 maintained their dominance after the break and were denied twice by the post before Chishkala completed his double in the 38th minute with a left-footed strike from a narrow angle to make it 3-1

Vietnam continued to fight bravely and successfully added a second goal shortly later thanks to a powerful long-range strike by Pham Duc Hoa.

Although the 3-2 score remained unchanged until the final whistle, it was a praiseworthy result for Vietnam, who have shown improvement through each match in this year’s World Cup campaign.