Vietnamese Nguyễn Công Phượng (left) scores the equaliser for the Vietnamese team in the first match versus Palestine in the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) U23 International Championship - Vinaphone Cup 2018 yesterday. U23 Việt Nam defeated Palestine 2-1. — Photo vietnamnet.vn |
Just before the half hour mark they fell one behind after a good header from Palestine striker Oday Dabbagh.
The goal sparked life into the home side who started to string good passes together and threaten the visitors goal.
The equaliser finally came on the stroke of half time.
Neat work on the edge of the box by the Việt Nam forwards saw the ball played through to Nguyễn Công Phượng who finished in the corner.
After the break the home side continued their good form and pressed in search of a second.
The goal came seven minutes later from midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải much to the delight of the healthy crowd who had braved heavy rains to see the match.
After going in front early in the second half Việt Nam took their foot off the gas, inviting the visitors to attack in the hope of adding a third before the final whistle.
But as the clock ticked the home side’s defence stood firm, and despite Palestine’s best efforts the score remained 2-1.
Next up on Oman on Sunday, 7.30pm (Hà Nội time) at the same venue. — VNS