Facing world No. 3 Italy - one of the title favourites, Vietnam aimed at one point or a loss with limited goal difference. Before the final match, the Vietnamese side had three points with a -4 goal difference, ranking fourth on the list of six top third-placed teams, ahead of Panama (-8) and Australia (-11). Therefore, if losing by less than four goals, Vietnam would secure a place in round 16.
The situation forced the 39th in the world to play defensively, even though it meant that captain Bao Quan and his teammates had to endure tremendous pressure from Italy. However, with great determination and a talented goalkeeper (Ngo Dinh Thuan), in addition to smart substitutions from Coach Bruno, Vietnam's target was protected in the best way possible.
The two goals against Vietnam in the qualifier came as a result of set situations. In the 5th minute, Italy’s Lima used his advantage of fitness and strength to hold-up and powerfully finish the opener after his teammate’s side kick. In the 26th minute, the same thing happened when Italy was awarded a corner kick. This time Murilo scored when he was allowed to take the ball on an open goal square. This was a rare error made by Vietnam in the match.
Prior to the clash, Italy had already secured a place in the next round thanks to two wins over Paraguay and Guatemala.
In addition to a strong defense line, Vietnam, who are enjoying their first-ever World Cup, also made a mark with a range of attacks, most notably several long shots on goal. If the team was blessed with a little more luck, they might have even made a surprise.
In the first minutes, a powerful volley from Phung Trong Luan rocked Italy’s goal square after the ball hit the pole. At the 24th minute, Pham Duc Hoa made a decisive finish from outside the box but again the ball was deflected by the pole. In the last minutes of the game, Tran Van Vu startled goalkeeper Mammarella with an accurate long shot.
However, the team was still successful in their target of guaranteeing a limited loss 0-2 until the end of the game.
In the next round, Vietnam will encounter strong rivals Portugal or Russia.
In the remaining match of Group C, Paraguay beat Guatemala 7-3 to occupy second place.
