Đinh Xuân Tiến (9) celebrates his opening goal in the eighth minute in the AFF U23 semi against Malaysia . VNA/VNS Photo Song Ngọc

Anh Đức

RAYONG — The Việt Nam national Under-23 football team are through to the final of the 2023 AFF U23 Championship, after beating Malaysia in the semifinal in Rayong, Thailand on Thursday.

Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn's team dismantled their opponent in the first half with a brace from Đinh Xuân Tiến and a goal from Nguyễn Quốc Việt. Alif Ikmalrizal brought one back for Malaysia right after the break, but Nguyễn Hồng Phúc's late goal denied any hope left by the Malaysians.

The victory comes after Tuấn voiced disappointment at his team after their most recent match against the Philippines, where they won in an unconvincing fashion.

Midfielder Nguyễn Văn Trường was left out of the starting line-up, after losing his temper and lashing out at a Filipino player during the last match.

Malaysia started the match with strong challenges, but Việt Nam did not flinch. In the eighth minute from a counter, Nguyễn Minh Quang's cross found Tiến in the box. The 20-year-old striker went past his marker, and fired a close range shot that left Malaysian goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim powerless.

Việt Nam, in their away white kit, played more fluidly after their opening goal, whilst Malaysia kept on making defensive mistakes after the concession.

One such mistake was capitalised by Quốc Việt in the 32nd minute, when Iswan Yuslan lost possession in his own half. Tiến easily stole the ball, and passed to Nguyễn Đức Việt, who then backpassed to Quốc Việt outside the box.

Quốc Việt fired a cracker into Rahalim's bottom corner, and although the keeper guessed correctly, the shot was too powerful for him to save. Việt then looked to the skies, perhaps as a tribute to his coach at HAGL, the late Dương Minh Ninh, who recently passed away in a traffic accident.

Việt Nam kept pushing forward, and got their third just one minute before the interval, with Tiến getting his brace by tapping in a great cross with his left foot.

With the final firmly in their grasp, Việt Nam replaced defender Phạm Đình Duy, who was booked in the first half, and goalscorer Quốc Việt with Nguyễn Mạnh Hưng and Bùi Vĩ Hào. Malaysia brought on Scotland-born striker Fergus Tierney in the hope that his height could trouble Việt Nam's defenders.

The plan seemingly worked for Malaysia, as they got an early goal three minutes after the second half started. A great cross from Izwan Yuslan found Alif Ikmalrizal unmarked, and the striker's header was too much for Quan Văn Chuẩn.

Malaysia piled on the pressure, but Việt Nam actively slowed down play. But even then, the men in white were still superior, as evident in their fourth goal in the 85th minute from substitute Phúc, who tapped in from a tight angle.

With this victory, Việt Nam advanced to their second consecutive AFF U23 Final, and await their opponent in the second semifinal between Thailand and Indonesia.

"I am very happy that we got to the finals. We analysed our opponent well and we tried hard to made the game difficult for them," said Quốc Việt.

"I really wanted to score today, and I dedicate my goal for my late coach and teammates in HAGL who recently passed away," Quốc Việt added.

Việt Nam will play the final on Saturday. — VNS