Football

Việt Nam's Nguyễn Hũu Tuấn (centre) battles for a ball against Philippines players during the Group C match of the AFF U23 Championship on August 22 in Thailand. Vệt Nam won 1-0. Photo courtesy of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn was angry after Việt Nam beat the Philippines 1-0, and labelled the game 'a match he wants to forget'.

The win means Việt Nam will advance to the semi-finals of the AFF U23 Championship, but coach Tuấn wasn't happy.

A 4-1 win over Laos on August 20 meant Việt Nam needed only one point from the second match to advance to the knock-out stage.

Coach Tuấn made wholesale changes to the team, keeping only three players from his usual strongest side.

Although largely untroubled, Việt Nam still made many mistakes, wasting a number of golden opportunities.

Captain and goalkeeper Quan Văn Chuẩn was one of the most experienced members of the team but wasn't at his best, making wrong decisions when faced with threatening attempts and struggled to deal with high crosses. 

The only goal of the game came in the 18th minute when Nguyễn Hũu Tuấn picked up the short cross from Nguyễn Đăng Dương for the finish from inside the Filipino box.

If Dennis Chung and Joshua Merino had capitalised on Chuẩn's mistakes the Philippines could have levelled the score.

Nguyễn Hũu Tuấn (centre) celebrates his goal during the Group C match  between Việt Nam and the Philippines of the AFF U23 Championship on August 22 in Thailand. — Photo of VFF

The win put Việt Nam top team of Group C and through to the semi-finals, but coach Tuấn was not satisfied.

"I was not happy with the situation. I wanted players to play football and not fight each other in the field," he said at the post-match briefing.

It was striker Nguyễn Văn Trường who was on the field in the second half. He got angry after a tackle by Faris in the 82nd minute and the two players came to blows.

Despite a booking for each, they continued to hit each other in the additional time. Luckily, there was no more punishment.

“Although we won, I really want to forget this match. We now have to look towards to the next round," Tuấn said.

He added that the team performance also did not meet his standards, but gave complimentary words to youngest member Lê Đình Long Vũ.

Vietnamese players applaud their supporters after beating the Philippines 1-0. — Photo of VFF

"Vũ is only 17 so his playing is good at that age. I have told players many times that I would give them opportunities. Anyone who can make use of these chances will have bright future," Tuấn said.

"About Chuẩn, he is No 3 goalkeeper of Hà Nội FC, having few opportunities to play. So it is normal if he makes mistakes. I believe that he would work better in the upcoming matches."

Also on August 20, Malaysia and Indonesia joined Việt Nam and Thailand in the last-four following the completion of the group matches earlier in the evening.

Malaysia emerged as Group B winners after beating Timor Leste 3-1 at the Rayong Stadium.

Indonesia finished as the best runners-up team after one win and one loss in Group B.

Việt Nam will play Malaysia tomorrow while Thailand will see reigning SEA Games champions Indonesia in a later match.

Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn of Việt Nam was not pleased with his team's performance. Photo baobinhduong.vn

"Malaysia are strong team. We will have to research and analysis them carefully. The importance here is how my team deliver their ability against this rival," coach Tuấn said.

Vietnamese striker Nguyễn Hữu Tuấn also took part in the briefing after he was named MVP of the match.

"It is my first time playing for the U23. I am happy as I scored on my debut, helping Việt Nam win this match," striker Tuấn said.

"It will be a motivation for me for later career. My teammates and I will have to well prepare for the Malaysian match. We will do our best to complete our mission.”

At the 32nd SEA Games in May, Việt Nam beat Malaysia 2-1. But in the upcoming games, two teams are different as they present many new faces and both set the target of final match. VNS