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| AFP Yonhap News |
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| Photo capture=ASEAN Football Federation SNS |
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| photo capture=Mitsubishi Cup SNS |
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Again 'Meal Magic' exploded. Vietnam, led by head coach Kim Sang-sik, occupied an advantageous position to advance to the finals.
Vietnam, ranked 114th in the FIFA rankings, won 2-0 in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup (hereinafter referred to as the Mitsubishi Electric Cup) semifinals against Singapore at the Jalan Vsar Stadium in Kalang, Singapore on the 26th (Korea time). Vietnam won a valuable victory on the road and could reach the final if it lost the second game at home on the 29th by only one goal. Vietnam is trying to win its third championship in six years. Vietnam was defeated by Thailand in the last tournament and unfortunately remained in second place.
The Mitsubishi Cup is the region's most prestigious soccer tournament organized by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF). It is held every two years, and this is the 15th edition of the competition. In 2018, coach Park Hang-seo led Vietnam to the championship, making it a familiar competition for domestic fans. At that time, it was the Suzuki Cup. A total of 10 teams will be divided into two groups to play the group stage, and the first and second place in each group will determine the winning team with a semifinal tournament.
Vietnam continued to cruise from the group stage. Following a 4-1 victory against Laos led by head coach Ha Hyuk-joon, he secured a 1-0 victory over Indonesia by head coach Shin Tae-yong, which was a watershed. They then drew 1-1 with the Philippines, but defeated Myanmar 5-0. It reached the semifinals with three wins and one draw (10 points) and first place in Group B. Coach Kim was the only Korean head coach to advance to the semifinals among the three Korean coaches who participated in this competition.
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| photo capture=Mitsubishi Cup SNS |
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The opponent was Singapore, led by Japan's coach Tsutomu Ogura. Singapore reached the semifinals in Group A after Thailand with seven points (2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss). Singapore is aiming for its fifth summit since 2012.
Vietnam started with a 3-4-3 formation. Bui Bhi Hao- Nguyen Xuan Son-Din Tynh Bin, Kuat Van Gang- Nguyen Hoang Deuk- Nguyen Quang Hai-Tianh Bin, Bui Tien Jung- Nguyen Tynh Chong-Fam Xuan Mein and Nguyen Dinh Chiu Yin.
Vietnam had a chance from the beginning. Kuat Van Khang's left foot volley following Quang Hai's corner kick in the 10th minute of the first half was blocked by the defense wall. Dean Tyne Bean scored during the gate battle. However, offside did not lead to a score. 20 minutes made another good chance. Brazilian-born Xuan Son attempted an overhead kick in front of the penalty area. Unfortunately, he came out after being hit by the crossbar. Although it was offside, it was a very threatening play.
Vietnam's offensive continued. In the 31st minute, Vuibhao attempted a left footed shot in front of the penalty area. After being deflected off the defense, he headed in front of the goalkeeper. The ball, which intercepted the opponent's ball by pressing ahead in the 39th minute, was again connected to Vui Vihao. Attempted right footed shot from the front of the arc. I didn't feel properly energized.
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| photo capture=Mitsubishi Cup SNS |
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In the second half, Singapore went on the offensive. It tried to rebound through a replacement card. Main gun Shawal Anouar, who scored four goals in this tournament, dug into the back space of the defense in the 16th minute of the second half and attempted a powerful right-footed shot. It shook the Vietnamese net as it was, but offside was declared. From Vietnam's point of view, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Singapore, which gained momentum, created another decisive opportunity in the 23rd minute. Taufik Superno's decisive shot was brilliantly blocked by goalkeeper Dean Zieu.
Vietnam, overcoming the crisis, created another opportunity. 32 min Nguyen Tien Lin saw the opposing goalkeeper advance and shot from a long distance. Unfortunately, it went over the net slightly. 39 min Vietnam shook Singapore's net once again. Suun Son succeeded in a picturesque right-footed turning shot. However, handball was declared in the process. South Korea's referee, Kim Woo-sung, maintained the original trial at the end of the on-field review. In the end, the score was nullified. Coach Kim and coach Choi Won-kwon strongly protested, and Kim was eventually warned.
The game, which was likely to end 0-0, fluctuated in extra time in the second half. In the 56th minute, a penalty was declared for a handball foul by opposing defender Shakir Hamza. Tien Lin calmly succeeded in this, and Vietnam took the lead. Vietnam, which gained momentum, sealed the game three minutes later when Suan Son finished with his right foot in a corner kick situation.
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| Photo capture=Vietnam Football Association SNS |
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| Photo capture=Vietnam Football Association SNS |
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Coach Kim, who had been a wild man after stepping down from Jeonbuk Hyundai, which is like a self-immolation, took the helm of Vietnam in May this year. Coach Kim, who has been in a new round since taking office, has started to improve his constitution by facing off against strong teams such as Russia. Recently, he prepared for the Mitsubishi Cup by playing practice games with Jeonbuk and Daegu through off-season training in Korea. Head coach Kim is facing new success in Vietnam with only one step left until the final.
Coach Kim said after the game, "I didn't adapt perfectly to the weather or grass in the first half, but I did well with the change in tactics and replacement in the second half. I think the first half is over and I'll do well at home without letting my guard down"I'm satisfied that I haven't lost a point. He struggled with the pass to seek the back space of his opponent, but he did well without losing his concentration until the end. I think we need to prepare well for the next game. You have to be stronger mentally."
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
