Drawing with the Philippines in the 97th minute, Vietnam team secures a spot in the semi-finals of the AFF Cup 2024

The Vietnamese team only needs to draw with the Philippines at Rizal Memorial Stadium (Manila) on the evening of December 18 to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2024 AFF Cup (ASEAN Cup). Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team had to work very hard to achieve this goal.

The Korean coach changed almost all of the starting lineup from the previous match. The Vietnamese team played safely, only had a few attacks and did not pose much of a threat to the Philippines goal. This was the fourth consecutive match in which the Vietnamese team did not score in the first half.

On the other hand, the Philippines controlled the ball more but did not create any dangerous chances in the first half of the match. Their number of shots (3 times) was only half that of the Vietnamese team and there was no shot that forced goalkeeper Nguyen Filip to show his talent to save.

After a cautious first half, the Vietnamese team attacked more in the second half with the presence of Nguyen Hoang Duc. However, the best chance created by the away team was Vu Van Thanh's shot that hit the crossbar.

While the attack has not improved significantly, the defense of the Vietnamese team has shown weaknesses. Khuat Van Khang did not clear the ball well after a high ball dispute. Nguyen Thanh Binh and Bui Hoang Viet Anh reacted slowly, allowing the Philippines player to take the ball and shoot past Nguyen Filip.

The Vietnamese team was forced to step up their attacks in the second half. Coach Kim Sang-sik renewed his attack with Nguyen Tien Linh, Nguyen Van Toan and Pham Tuan Hai, but the Vietnamese team was still stuck.

However, when there was little hope, the Vietnamese team got lucky. The Philippine goalkeeper missed the ball during a corner kick in the 7th minute of stoppage time. Doan Ngoc Tan took advantage of the opportunity to score an equalizer.

The Vietnamese team is certain to qualify for the semi-finals with 7 points after 3 matches. However, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team have not yet secured the top spot in the group. In the final round, the Vietnamese team will meet Myanmar at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho) on December 21.

Philippines and Vietnam starting lineup

Philippines:Deyto, Kempter, Bailey, Linares (Amani Aguinaldo 28'), Rontini, Tabinas, Kekkonen, Monis, Gayoso, Reyes, Kristenssen

Vietnam:Nguyen Filip, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Duy Manh, Van Thanh, Viet Anh, Van Khang, Ngoc Quang, Vi Hao, Quang Hai, Ngoc Tan, Dinh Thanh Binh