Từ Minh Quang (12) celebrates after scoring the equaliser. Photo VFF

Anh Đức

BANGKOK The Việt Nam national futsal team have qualified for the 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup quarterfinals, despite losing 1-2 against Thailand in the last match of group A on Sunday.

Việt Nam went behind after a goal from Muhammad Osamanmusa, but equalised through Từ Minh Quang's cheeky finish. Srirangpirot then reclaimed the lead for the hosts.

Diego Giustozzi's men were looking for at least a draw, but could lose to Thailand and still advance as long as Myanmar did not win against China by a large deficit.

Thailand, as the favourite playing at home, was clearly in control from the get-go. In the 10th minute, Alongkorn Janphon forced Hồ Văn Ý to make a crucial one-on-one save, signalling a tough match ahead for Việt Nam.

Just three minutes later, Osamanmusa, Thailand's danger man, opened the scoreline for the men in royal blue with a quick decisive strike that left Ý no chance.

Việt Nam pushed forward trying to equalise in the final minutes of the first half, and got close in the 17th minute. Nhan Gia Hưng fired a beautiful pass for Trần Thái Huy in the second post, however, the striker was too late and the opportunity was wasted.

Giustozzi's side started off strong in the second half, and found their way into Thailand's net just one minute after the break, after Từ Minh Quang's clever finish into the bottom corner.

Việt Nam played much better after the equaliser, putting the hosts on the defence. However, a mistake by Nguyễn Thịnh Phát in the 32nd minute gave away possession, and Worasak Srirangpirot capitalised with a powerful shot.

With a few minutes left on the clock, Giustozzi directed his players to switch to power play so Việt Nam could keep possession for as long as possible. The strategy worked well, as the men in white were able to end the match with a 1-2 loss.

Myanmar could only muster up a 3-1 win against China, so Việt Nam qualified through to the quarterfinals by a greater goal difference.

Việt Nam will face the winner of Group B in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. VNS