Vietnam stun Iraq 2-1 in friendly ahead of Futsal World Cup play-offs

Vietnam's fulsal team clinched a comfortable 2-1 win over Iraq in a friendly match held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 17, a perfect test ahead of the play-off round to win a ticket to the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Accordingly, the first half saw Vietnam take control with constant attacks on the opposing goal, however, the team could not utilise the created opportunities to bring them off the mark. 

Vietnam's fulsal team arrived in UAE on May 16.
Vietnam's fulsal team arrived in UAE on May 16.

Meanwhile, Iraq chose a counterattacking tactic and made good use of Vietnam’s defensive gaps to open the scoring. Shortly before the break, Duc Hoa shot past the Iraqi goalkeeper to restore parity from a fast-attacking situation. 

The equaliser helped Pham Minh Giang’s troops to play more confidently and maintain pressure in the second half. It was not until the 35th minute that Vietnam materialised their prevalence with Dac Huy heading home to seal them a 2-1 victory.

The triumph over Iraq continues the national futsal team’s perfect momentum ahead of competing in two play-off matches to earn a slot at the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup.

The Vietnamese national futsal team touched down in the UAE on May 16 ahead of their crucial play-off match to qualify for the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup. Upon arrival at the airport in the UAE, the entire team underwent a RT-PCR test to check for COVID-19.

Vietnam's team are now set to compete in a two-legged tie against Lebanon, with matches slated for May 23 and May 25.

If they are able to gain victory over Lebanon, Vietnam will win a ticket to the finals of the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the second time, having previously participated in the global tournament in Colombia for the first time back in 2016.

In 2016, Vietnam were led by head coach Bruno Formoso and recorded a historical triumph over Guatemala, making it through to the quarter-final round for the first time in the country’s history.

By Thien Minh

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