Vietnam U23 national team was unfortunately eliminated. After being unable to resist his strength, before losing to the Saudi Arabia U23 national team with a score of 0-2 in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 quarter-finals at the Lokomotiv Stadium, Tashkent.
Saudi Arabia, who had not conceded a single goal in the group stage, were almost caught by surprise in the first minute when Tran Danh Trung evaded his marker on the left flank before sending a delightful cross into the path of Le Minh Bình, who just failed to connect with a diving header.
Vietnam threatened again in the 11th minute when Nham Manh Dung wriggled his way past several defenders before firing his low effort into the side netting from an acute angle.
Saudi Arabia soon settled into the game and almost found a way through but Ayman Yahya sent his low drive straight into the welcoming arms of Vietnam keeper Quan Van Chuan.
Vietnam looked dangerous every time they ventured forward and came close yet again in the 24th minute when Vu Tien Long set up Minh Bình nicely at the top of the box, only for the midfielder to send his half-volley wide.
Vietnam were then denied by the crossbar as Minh Bình saw his long-range effort rebound off the woodwork in the 35th minute as Saudi Arabia enjoyed a narrow escape.
The West Asians upped their tempo after the close call and were rewarded in the 41st minute with Al Harbi bursting down the left before firing a low effort past Van Chuan from inside the six-yard-box.
With Saudi Arabia in the ascendancy, Vietnam knew they needed a strong second 45 minutes as they headed into the dressing room.
Saudi Arabia, however, continued to dictate the pace of the game in the second half and any hope of a Vietnam fightback was extinguished in the 65th minute with Al Harbi providing the cross for Al Brikan to nod home from close range.
Vietnam were reduced to 10 men in the 78th minute when custodian Van Chuan was sent off after denying Al Brikan, who was through on goal. It didn’t matter in the end for the West Asian side as they moved within two matches of winning the title for the first time.
Credit Photo : AFC
