Vietnam cruise to opening win in int’l U21 football tournament

Vietnam U21s recorded a resounding 4-1 victory over the Hanyang University team, from the Republic of Korea, in the opening match of the 2019 International U21 Football Tournament at Da Nang City’s Hoa Xuan Stadium on October 30.

Vietnam U21s (in red) manage to clinch a commanding win against the Hanyang University team despite the rainy weather. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
Vietnam U21s (in red) manage to clinch a commanding win against the Hanyang University team despite the rainy weather. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

The rainy weather made it difficult for the two sides to properly implement their playing styles. Both created some opportunities to score throughout the first 45 minutes, but none of them were successfully converted.

After a goalless first half, the Vietnamese team intensified their attacks seeking to break the deadlock. Their efforts paid off eight minutes into the second half with Tran Van Cong heading home from Tran Van Buu’s cross to put Duong Hong Son’s side in front.

However, Vietnam’s joy lasted only 12 minutes before Kim Sung-bin converted a rebound to equalise the score after Lee Kun-hee’s unsuccessful attempt.

Tran Van Buu restored Vietnam’s advantage in the 68th minute by shooting past the Hanyang University goalkeeper.

Vietnamese players celebrate scoring a goal during the match. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

Vu Tin made it 3-1 for the home side with an 80th-minute deflected strike before substitute Ho Minh Di scored on the stroke of stoppage time to round off a convincing 4-1 win for Vietnam U21s.

The brilliant performance against the Hanyang University team helped Duong Hong Son’s troops to temporarily settle for second place in the table, behind Japan’s student team, who trounced FK Sarajevo U19s (Bosnia & Herzegovina) 4-0 earlier on the same day to claim the top spot on goal difference.

Next up for Vietnam U21s will be FK Sarajevo U19s on November 1.

The 2019 International U21 Football Tournament is taking place from October 30 to November 5 with the participation of four teams, namely Vietnam U21s, Japan’s student team, FK Sarajevo U19s and the Hanyang University team.

The participants are competing in a round robin format, with the top two finishers setting up the title match.