Việt Nam surprised the world by securing a berth in the final of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U23 Championship after beating Qatar in the penalty shootout on Tuesday in China. 

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Việt Nam football win stuns Asia

January 23, 2018 - 18:00

Việt Nam surprised the world by securing a berth in the final of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U23 Championship after beating Qatar in the penalty shootout on Tuesday in China. 

Vietnamese supporters burst into joy after the historic win. — VNA/VNS Photo

Viet Nam News

Football

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam overcame Qatar 4-3 in another penalty shootout in the semi-finals to advance to the goal-medal match in the Asian Football Confederation’s Under-23 Championship in Changshu, China, on Tuesday.
 
The thrilling match ended 2-2 after official time, causing the two teams to play extra time, but no more goals were scored.
 
It was the second match in a row in this tournament in which Việt Nam had to play more than 120 minutes. Players were exhausted, but this did not prevent them from enjoying victory for the second time.
 
Goalkeeper Bùi Tiến Dũng saved two kicks from Qatari while Nguyễn Quang Hải, who scored both goals for Việt Nam in the match, failed to beat keeper Mohammed Al Bakari.
 
Defender Vũ Văn Thanh was the last player from Việt Nam. Millions of people held their breath and burst into tears of happiness when he succeeded.
 
Players cried, supporters cried and, in Việt Nam, people hugged each other and cheered as they began the second instant-flag parade in a week through cities and towns. 
 
"It was difficult to describe my feelings at present. I am really happy with the result," said Hải in an interview with international media.
 
Việt Nam Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc phoned head of Việt Nam Team Lê Hoài Anh to congratulate the team. He said it was a great success and asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to provide a worthy bonus for head coach Park Hang-seo and the whole team.
 
In the final, Việt Nam will play the winner of a match between South Korea and Uzbekistan, which is ongoing in Kunshan. — VNS
 
Striker Nguyễn Quang Hải celebrates after scoring a goal against Qatar. — VNA/VNS Photo
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc calls to congratulate the Việt Nam's U23 football team over the historic victory. — VNA/VNS Photo

 

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