Vietnam beat Philippines 2-0, close in on ASIAD 20 quarter-finals
VOV.VN - Vietnam secured a 2-0 victory over the Philippines at CS Asset Minato Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, giving them a major advantage in the race for a place in the men's football quarter-finals of the 20th Asian games (ASIAD 20).
From the opening minutes, Vietnam took the initiative and controlled the game. They dominated possession and repeatedly launched attacks towards the Philippines goal, looking to break through a well-organised defence.
The pressure created a series of chances. Minh Phuc forced goalkeeper Guimaraes Nicholas into a save with a close-range effort, while Ngoc My came close on two occasions, including a header that narrowly missed the post. The Philippines defence held firm, however, and the first half ended goalless.
The Philippines created the first clear chance after the restart when Sandro Reyes unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box, forcing goalkeeper Cao Van Binh to make a full-stretch save and tip the ball over the bar.
Vietnam soon regained control and stepped up the pressure. In the 57th minute, Xuan Bac beat the offside trap and went one-on-one with Gumaraes, but his close-range effort failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Duc Anh sent a precise long ball forward for Thanh Nhan, who raced clear and, despite pressure from two defenders, produced a deft first-time finish beyond Gumaraes.
Vietnam continued to push forward and extended their lead in the 87th minute. Le Phat's initial effort from the centre of the penalty area struck the woodwork, but the substitute reacted quickly to head the rebound into an empty net, sealing a 2-0 victory.
The Philippines were unable to mount a meaningful response in the closing minutes as Vietnam comfortably held on for all three points.
Vietnam will face Uzbekistan in their final Group C match on September 20.


