Facing an opponent ranked nearly 100 places lower on the FIFA rankings, Coach Diego Giustozzi’s players quickly took control of the game. Although the starting line-up featured young players, it was the experienced players who made the early difference.
In the 5th minute, Chau Doan Phat opened the scoring with a sharp low shot. Just one minute later, Nguyen Thinh Phat capitalised on a mistake by the opposing goalkeeper to double the lead. Viet Nam’s high pressing and flexible movement help them to dominate the match completely.
In the 10th minute, Nhan Gia Hung scored with a diagonal finish to make it 3-0. Despite Hong Kong (China) pushing their formation higher in search of a goal, Viet Nam’s defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Pham Van Tu, remained solid and effective.
Approaching the end of the first half, Giustozzi’s men continued to exploit spaces behind the opponent’s defence; in the 18th minute, Nguyen Da Hai combined well with captain Pham Duc Hoa to extend the lead to 4-0. Just one minute later, Duc Hoa himself struck accurately, sealing a 5-0 advantage at half-time.
In the second half, Hong Kong (China) unexpectedly pulled one back through a shot by Lee Ho Yin in the 21st minute. However, their hopes were short-lived. Only a minute later, Tu Minh Quang restored the five-goal margin with a powerful long-range strike (6-1).
In the 33rd minute, Chow Ka Lok Leo was sent off for fouling Vu Ngoc Anh, leaving only four men on the court. Viet Nam capitalised on the numerical advantage to score three more goals: Minh Quang netted his second (34’), Nguyen Manh Dung added the eighth of the match (35’), and then Minh Quang completed his hat-trick in the final minute to round off the 9-1 victory.
Speaking after the match, Coach Diego Giustozzi expressed his satisfaction with his players’ performance.
“This is a positive start. We will continue to maintain full focus for each match. The team’s goal is to overcome each challenge with determination and efficiency,” he said.
Following their opening victory, Viet Nam will play their second match against hosts China on September 22. This fixture is considered a decisive one in their quest for a spot at the Asian finals.
