VIETNAM IN POSITIVE MOOD AHEAD OF ASIAN GAMES

For the Asian Games which will be held in Guangzhou, China from 12-27 Nov, the Vietnam U23 team have been placed in Group B against Iran, Bahrain and Turkmenistan.

What made the win of the Millennium Cup more satisfying is the fact that Vietnam has beaten Iran – one of their Group B opponents at the Asian Games – with a convincing 2-0 win in the tournament’s final match at Thong Nhat Stadium on Saturday.

Striker Nguyen Anh Duc, who received a red card in the second half, opened scoring with a header at the stroke of half-time.

Substitute Hoang Dinh Tung then put the game beyond contention with second goal after beating the offside trap.

With the win, the Vietnam Olympic team received a trophy and a cash prize of USD20,000 while Iran, at second place in the tourney, got USD10,000. Olympic Singapore ranked third, followed by Malaysia.

“Although this was a friendly tournament, the victory will boost our players in the Asian Games in Guangzhou next month,” said Phan Thanh Hung, coach of Ha Noi T&T.

Hung was assigned by national team coach Henrique Calisto to lead the Olympic team in this tournament.

“After three matches, many weaknesses were revealed, but I’m satisfied with the players’ fighting spirit, especially that of the new players who made a considerable contribution to the victory,” said Hung.