Viet Nam News
Football
HA NOI — Viet Nam tied 1-1 with North Korea in a friendly match held at My Dinh National Stadium in Ha Noi yesterday night.
Both goals were scored in the second half. Viet Nam’s head coach Park Hang-seo tested many players in this match to prepare for the upcoming Asian Cup. Viet Nam created many chances but failed to capitalise for the victory.
With the support of thousands of fans on their hometurf, Viet Nam dominated possession from the opening whistle.
The visiting side seemed to have the opener in the 24th minute as Jong Il-gwan defeated Vietnamese goalie Nguyen Tuan Manh, but the referee flagged Jong as offside.
Two minutes later, North Korea were awarded a free kick from the left wing. Receiving the pass of Jong, Kim Song Gi headed towards goal but failed to hit the target.
The hosts were then awarded a free kick from 30m, however midfielder Luong Xuan Truong was unable to find the net.
In the last minute of the first half, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong pushed into the penalty area but his shot was no trouble for North Korean goalkeeper, Ri Myong Guk.
After the break, Viet Nam’s head coach Park Hang-seo changed his squad and tactics to seek the opener and give a chance for other players.
Goalie Manh was replaced by Bui Tien Dung. Midfielder Que Ngoc Hai was also given a chance in the second half. He received the captain’s armband from Truong.
In the 54th minute, receiving a pass of Phuong, striker Nguyen Tien Linh made fans jump for joy as he defeated goalie Ri to open the score for the hosts.
The early goal helped boost Viet Nam’s confidence and they created several chances to double the score.
Phuong, who scored three goals in the recent AFF Suzuki Cup, had another chance to write his name on the scoresheet. He beat the North Korean defence to face goalie Ri but was unlucky.
The visiting side fought back strongly and their effort was repaid with Jong’s goal in the 81st minute. Vietnamese goalie Dung dived for the ball but was unable to save it.
Just two minutes later, Viet Nam nearly had a second goal. Taking full advantage of the confused situation in the penalty area, striker Ha Duc Chinh passed the ball for midfielder Pham Duc Huy but it hit the crossbar.
In the last minute of the game, striker from Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Phuong, once again missed a clear chance.
This match was the final test for Viet Nam, AFF Suzuki Cup champions, to prepare for the upcoming Asian Cup next month in which North Korea are in Group E with Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Qatar, while Viet Nam are in Group D with Iraq, Iran and Yemen. —VNS