Striker Nguyễn Văn Trường (left) vies for the ball with Jaime Domingo Rosquillo of the Philippines in the 2022 Southeast Asian U19 Football Championship held in Indonesia on Monday afternoon. Photo VFF

Football

By Thanh Nga

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam crushed the Philippines 4-1 in the 2022 Southeast Asian U19 Football Championship held in Indonesia on Monday afternoon.

Following the goalless draw against Indonesia in the first match, Việt Nam were determined to secure three points.

From the off, Việt Nam were on the front foot. After missing two good chances in the opening exchanges, striker Nguyễn Quốc Việt found the net with his third early effort to open the scoring.

In the 16th minute, striker Nguyễn Văn Trường had a good chance to double the lead but after dribbling through the defence his effort was saved by Lance Jeter Aquino Bencio.

With the sun beating down in Indonesia, Việt Nam conserved their energy in the first half to ensure they never ran out of steam.

The Philippines pushed for an equaliser but couldn't beat Cao Văn Bình in Việt Nam's goal.

After the break, Đình Bắc's pinpoint free-kick was met by Việt who headed home to double the lead.

In the 51st minute, the Philippines had the opportunity to narrow the gap when Sandro Reyes was clean through but his shot went over the crossbar.

However, two minutes later, Sandro Reyes did manage to claw one back for the Philippines.

As the clock ticked, Việt Nam made the game safe, with midfielder Nguyễn Văn Khang scoring from the spot after he was fouled inside the penalty area.

In the 77th minute, Antoine Ortega fouled striker Trường in the Philippines’s penalty area giving the referee no choice but to point at the spot for a second time.

Trường stepped up and cooly slotted home, Panenka-style to take the score to 4-1.

Việt Nam will next face Brunei on July 6, Myanmar on July 8 and then Thailand on July 10.

The regional event have attracted the participation of 11 teams who were divided into two groups, competing in a round-robin format. The first and second teams in each group win the right to the semi-finals.

The tournament will finish on July 15.

Việt Nam won the Southeast Asian U19 Championship once in 2007. VNS