(VOVWORLD) - Hanoi FC midfielder Quang Hai turned in a top-class performance with a stunning finish to seal Vietnam’s 1-0 victory over Malaysia in a hotly-contested World Cup 2022 qualifier in Hanoi on Thursday.
 Quang Hai celebrates his stunning goal. |
Coach Park Hang-seo gave fans a pleasant surprise when he put Cong Phuong and Van Hau, who haven’t yet played an official game for their European clubs, in the starting lineup.
Vietnam started off the match conservatively. In the 11th minute, Malaysia had its first corner kick, but Van Lam easily saved the net.
Malaysia had a higher possession rate than the home team although both sides found their fair share of chances in the opening 45 minutes.
The Hanoi FC star Quang Hai found Malaysia’s net in the 28th minute, but his goal was waved off, as he was offside.
In the 40th minute, Quang Hai netted a world-class goal after centre-back Que Ngoc Hai floated in a cross into the box, giving the Golden Dragons the crucial 1-0 lead.
Both sides maintained a balanced game in the second half. Vietnam’s defenders successfully stopped all of the Malaysia attacks while the guests didn’t risk increasing the pressure for fears of a counter-attack.
The 1-0 win brought Vietnam to third place in group G with 4 points, after the UAE and Thailand.
Vietnam will take on Indonesia in Bali next Tuesday.