Fighting for the ball between two Vietnamese players (in red jersey) and a Philippine player. (Photo: VFF)
Vietnam needed a win against the Philippines at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila to secure a spot in the semifinals of the ASEAN Cup 2024. However, coach Kim Sang-sik's players struggled to achieve just a draw.
The Korean coach made significant changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous encounter with Indonesia. Vietnam played a cautious game, with only a few attacking attempts and little threat to the Philippines’ goal. This was the fourth consecutive match where they failed to score in the first half.
On the other hand, the Philippines dominated possession but also failed to create any dangerous opportunities in the first half. Their total number of shots on target was only half that of Vietnam’s, and none of their efforts forced goalkeeper Nguyen Filip into action.
After the break, Vietnamese players became more aggressive in the second half with Nguyen Hoang Duc sent in. However, their best opportunity came from a powerful shot by Vu Van Thanh that hit the crossbar.
While the attack struggled to make a significant breakthrough, Vietnam’s defense line showed vulnerabilities. Khuat Van Khang failed to clear the ball properly after an aerial challenge, and both Nguyen Thanh Binh and Bui Hoang Viet Anh reacted sluggishly, allowing a Philippines player to seize the ball and beat goalkeeper Nguyen Filip.
Vietnam were forced to ramp up their offensive efforts in the latter part of the second half. Coach Kim refreshed the attack by sending in Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Van Toan, and Pham Tuan Hai, but the team could not break the deadlock.
When all hope seemed lost, fortune smiled upon Vietnam. In the 7th minute of added time, the Philippines' goalkeeper missed a corner delivery, and Doan Ngoc Tan capitalized on the mistake to score the equalizer with a header.
With seven points after three matches, Vietnam are yet to secure a spot in the semifinals, though they have more opportunities. In the final group stage match, they will face Myanmar at Viet Tri Stadium on December 21.