The Asian media has highlighted Vietnam's defensive strength following the team's performance against Myanmar in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018, which was the third consecutive match that Vietnamese goalkeeper Dang Van Lam has let no goal being scored.   

Vietnamese player Nguyen Van Toan tapped a rebound into Myanmar’s net  in the 77th minute. However, the goal received the assistant referee’s flag for offside

The match took place at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, on November 20 evening.

A report published on www.affsuzukicup.com said “In front of a raucous crowd at the Thuwunna Stadium, it was the home side who looked to assert themselves on the game, dominating possession early but struggling to find a way through a disciplined Vietnam defence.”

The article noted it took Myanmar 26 minutes to make the first almost successful scoring attempt, with Aung Lwin Moe’s long range hitting straight at Dang Van Lam.

It said Myanmar “somehow survived a flurry of chances from Vietnam, with Htet Kyaw Zin saving a point blank effort from Phan Van Duc, before following it up seconds later with another fine save to deny Nguyen Cong Phuong.”

Regarding substitute Nguyen Van Toan’s rebound into Myanmar’s net, many considered it a lawful score.  

The Chosun newspaper in the Republic of Korea said it was a pity that the goal received the assistant referee’s flag for offside.

Meanwhile, Akshat Mehrish of the Fox Sport Asia wrote: “There was also a dubious decision to contend with. Vietnam looked to have taken the lead in the 77th minute when substitute Nguyen Van Toan tapped a rebound into the net; only to see his strike to be ruled out for offside. Replays showed that the forward was indeed onside when the first ball was played, leaving the players and the fans bewildered.”

With the tie, both Vietnam and Myanmar have seven points after three matches, but Myanmar temporarily top Group A thanks to goals scored. 

Previously, Myanmar beat Cambodia 4-1 and came from behind to beat Laos 3-1, while Vietnam defeated Laos 3-0 and Malaysia 2-0.

Vietnam will play Cambodia at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium on November 24, while Myanmar will face Malaysia in an away match.

The AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 is taking place from November 8 to December 15 with 26 matches among 10 teams. Vietnam are in Group A together with Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

This year, the AFF Suzuki Cup will feature a new playing format, with both home and away ties. 

In the tournament’s history, Vietnam won the championship just once in 2008. With the leadership of coach Park Hang-seo and the current squad, both Vietnamese and Korean football fans are hopeful the S-shaped country’s team will take the trophy for the second time after 10 years awaiting.-VNA