Tien Linh, Van Toan score, Vietnam team wins big against Laos

The Vietnamese team began their journey at the AFF Cup 2024 (ASEAN Cup) with a match against Laos in Vientiane on the evening of December 9. After a difficult first half, goals in the second half helped the defending runners-up defeat their opponents with a big score.

Facing the weakest team in the group, coach Kim Sang-sik fielded an unfamiliar lineup. The Vietnamese team dominated, controlling the ball and creating many opportunities.

However, the passing and shooting rhythm at the end of each phase of Nguyen Tien Linh and his teammates was not good. After the first half of continuous attacks, the Vietnamese team gradually fell into a deadlock.

The change was only made when Mr. Kim Sang-sik adjusted the formation and playing style. The Vietnamese team used many long passes in the beginning of the second half and in the 58th minute, this coordination brought the opening goal. Bui Tien Dung assisted Nguyen Hai Long to score.

With a goal to relieve the psychological pressure, the Vietnamese team continuously widened the gap. In the next 10 minutes, Nguyen Quang Hai, who had just come on as a substitute, created 2 assists for Nguyen Tien Linh and Nguyen Van Toan to score.

In the 82nd minute, another player entered the field in the second half, Nguyen Van Vi, making his mark. The defender of Nam Dinh Club launched a beautiful volley to defeat the Lao goalkeeper to raise the score to 4-0.

The 4-goal gap was safe enough for the Vietnamese team to play leisurely at the end of the match. Subjectivity caused coach Kim Sang-sik's players to concede a goal.

Goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu's difficult pass caused Do Duy Manh to foul a Lao player in the penalty area. The home team successfully took advantage of the opportunity to score from the penalty kick.

The Vietnamese team still won and temporarily topped the table. However, the performance of coach Kim Sang-sik's players still had many points that made fans worried.