HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam crushed Timor Leste by a score of 8-1 in their second match in Group B of the AFF Futsal Championship held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia yesterday. With the win, Việt Nam booked a ticket to compete in the event’s semifinals with one match still to play in the qualifying round.

In the first match, the Vietnamese side beat Brunei 9-0.

Việt Nam looked comfortable in the match, proving they are stronger than Timor Leste.

In the third minute, Vũ Quốc Hưng scored the opener for Việt Nam following a quick combination with Nguyễn Thành Tín.

Timor Leste fought back and equalised through Romulo Escurial.

In the fifth, eighth and 12th minute, Tôn Thất Phi, Nguyễn Mạnh Dũng and Tín took turns beating Timor Leste goalkeeper Joel Miki to bring the score to 4-1 for Việt Nam.

Việt Nam continued dominating the game. Before the first half closed, Chu Văn Tiến scored one more goal.

After the break, Miki worked hard to narrow the gap, but Tiến and Đặng Anh Tài shone to bring the final score to 8-1.

Việt Nam will face champion-candidate Thailand in the last qualifying match today.

“The match with Thailand won’t be easy like the past two matches,” said coach Miguel Rodrigo. “We need to play carefully.”

“The event’s semifinal is coming,” he said. “At present, we don’t know who they are but it isn’t important. The most important thing is that what we show and what we can do.”

Việt Nam are expected to enter the final of the event, which will last until November 11. — VNS