Football

Việt Nam players and coaches celebrate twinning the Thanh Niên Newspaper International U19 Football Tournament on August 11 in Bình Dương Province. Photo thanhnien.vn

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam defeated Malaysia 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out to lift the trophy of the Thanh Niên Newspaper International U19 Football Tournament on August 11 in Bình Dương Province.

Nguyễn Văn Tú headed in to open the score for Việt Nam in the 11th minute. Malaysia levelled with Azhad Bin Arman's direct finish after successfully breaking the off-side trap five minutes from the end.

After a 1-1 draw in the official 90-minutes, two teams advanced to spot-kicks. While only Nguyễn Đăng Dương of the host side missed his chance, Malaysia failed twice.

"Conceding a goal at the 85th minute was really a disappointment, not only to me but also to all the other coaches," coach Đinh Thế Nam of Việt Nam said at the post-match conference.

"Today, our front line was so-so. The absence of striker Nguyễn Văn Trường (because of injury) reduced our attacking power. Two substitutes did not catch the pace of the match. But it will be a lesson for young players.

"Anyway, I am happy with the final result no matter how big the tournament is. A championship title always makes us happy," said Nam, whose team received a bonus of US$10,000.

The win was also sweet revenge for the Vietnamese, who lost to the Malaysian 3-0 in the semi-final of the AFF U19 Championship last month.

The host players also secured individual awards. Midfielder Khuất Văn Khang was the man of the final, and the skipper was voted MVP of the tournament. Meanwhile, Đoàn Huy Hoàng was the best goalkeeper.

Midfielder Khuất Văn Khang is the best player in the tournament. Photo thanhnien.vn

Malaysia pocketed $6,000 while Thailand, who defeated Myanmar 7-3 in the third-place playoff, bagged $4,000.

Coach Nam and his team will leave for Japan for an intensive training course on August 13-26.

Injury means Trường cannot join the team, a big regret for Nam.

"Trường suffered a fibula injury and needs two to three months to recover. He will not fly to Japan," said Nam, who will seek replacements from the local leagues.

The practice is a preparation for the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualification's Group F, which will be held in Indonesia from September 14-18.

Việt Nam is to compete with Hong Kong, Timor Leste and the hosts. VNS