Football

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s national football team lost to the K-League 2’s Seoul E-Land 2-0 during their third friendly match in South Korea yesterday.

The match was part of Việt Nam’s preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018.

In their previous games, Việt Nam came from behind to defeat South Korea’s Seoul FC 2-1 but lost to Incheon United 1-2.

Việt Nam’s head coach Park Hang-seo fielded his strongest starting 11 in the first half, including goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm, defender Đoàn Văn Hậu, midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải, and strikers Nguyễn Công Phượng and Nguyễn Văn Quyết.

The Vietnamese side had several chances to score the opener but failed to capitalise and fell behind in the 42nd minute through An Dong-hyeok following a defensive error.

After the break, South Korean coach Park changed his tactics and players, but Seoul quickly doubled their lead in the 49th minute.

Goalie Lâm was replaced by Phạm Văn Cường and striker Đức made way for Hà Đức Chinh, but struggled to create chances going forward.

Following the intensive training session in South Korea, coach Park will announce his 23 players for the AFF event where Việt Nam are in Group A with Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

The tournament will run from November 8 to December 15 with 26 matches between 10 teams.

This year, the AFF Suzuki Cup will feature a new playing format, with both home and away ties.

Việt Nam will meet Laos in Vientiane on November 8, Malaysia at Hà Nội’s Mỹ Đình Stadium on November 16, Myanmar in Yangon on November 20 and will take on Cambodia at Hà Nội’s Hàng Đẫy Stadium on November 24. 

Yesterday, the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) officially issued tickets for the matches with Malaysia and Cambodia with prices ranging from VNĐ150,000 (US$6.5) – VNĐ400,000 ($17).

Fans can buy tickets at Mỹ Đình National Stadium or at ticketonline.vff.org.vn. — VNS