Việt Nam vs China in the opening match of the AFF Beach Football Championship held in Thailand on Wednesday. — Photo VFF

HÀ NỘI — Defending champions Việt Nam beat China 7-5 in the opening match of the AFF Beach Football Championship held in Thailand on Wednesday.

Despite China having the advantage of physical strength and an experienced coach from Spain, Việt Nam still controlled the game from the get-go.

Việt Nam then quickly took the lead with five goals. In the third set, the score was 5-1 in favour of Việt Nam and it was considered very safe for Việt Nam. However, in only a few minutes, China scored three goals in a row.

The Vietnamese side changed their players continuously to keep their lead. China had several chances to score more goals, but couldn't find the net.

The chances came to Việt Nam and captain Bùi Trần Tuấn Anh helped his team lead 6-4.

In the dying minutes, China scored one more goal, while Việt Nam extended the gap to 7-5.

In another match, Thailand beat Malaysia 4-3.

Việt Nam will next face Malaysia on Friday.

The AFF event attracted five teams including two invitation teams China and Afghanistan as well as three regional teams Malaysia, Việt Nam and the hosts Thailand. — VNS