Friendly match: Vietnam 2-0 Syria

USPA NEWS - Le Cong Vinh and Nguyen Van Quyet scored for Vietnam as they defeated Syria 2-0 in an international football friendly match at Hanoi´s My Dinh Stadium Tuesday, May 31. Le Cong Vinh kept his promise and did a good job to help Vietnam beat Syria in Ha Noi.

Le Cong Vinh and Nguyen Van Quyet scored for Vietnam as they defeated Syria 2-0 in an international football friendly match at Hanoi´s My Dinh Stadium Tuesday, May 31. Le Cong Vinh kept his promise and did a good job to help Vietnam beat Syria in Ha Noi.

Ranked 111th by FIFA, 35 places higher than their opponents, Syria piled on the pressure in the early stages.

Syria enjoyed two concrete chances in the 11th and 18th minutes but finishes by Omari and Al Mawas were not accurate nor cunning enough to be converted into goals.

But with Xuan Truong and Tuan Anh coordinating well in midfield, soon Vietnam began to launch attacks.

Striker Le Cong Vinh, in a press briefing prior to the match on Monday - May 30, said he would do his best as a striker, and opened the score in the 34th minute of the match.

Midfielder Pham Thanh Luong broke through the left wing before sending a perfect pass to the box where the three-time Golden Ball holder awaited and headed straight to the net.

The second goal went to Nguyen Van Quyet who just returned to the national team after his five- month ban.

Midfielder Luong Xuan Truong who joined his teammates from South Korean Incheon United made a smart pass to Quyet who ran into the box, leaving the Syrian defenders and goalkeeper behind, to tap in at the last seconds of the first half.

Coach Nguyen Huu Thang who highly appreciated his rivals in the press conference found a good solution for his small-sized players against the big built and tall Syrian opponents.

His team had only three chances in the first half of which they converted two.

The 2-0 score remained unchanged throughout the second half despite the guests´ concerted efforts to earn a consolation.

Syrian coach Ayman Alhakim was not happy with the results, saying his players had not prepared well for the match.

“We have three injured players after the national league “¦ Our country is embroiled in a war and we are facing many difficulties in playing at home.“

Alhakim said his players only performed at around 30 percent of their capability.

Coach Thang looked very satisfied with his win as he entered the meeting room with a smile.

“I am totally pleased with my players and their techniques, and the spirit with which they performed today,“ Thang said.

After the match, Vietnam will have a few days off before participating in the AYA Bank Cup 2016 to be hosted in Yangon, Myanmar from June 3 to 6.

Vietnam will face Hong Kong (China) in the first semifinal, followed by the second to be played between Singapore and Myanmar. The winners will face each other in the final while the losers will play each other for third place.