The Vietnam Olympic team made history with its first entrance into the ASIAD quarter-finals after winning 1- 0 against Bahrain during the last stages of the 16-team knockout round for the men’s football of the Asian Games (ASIAD) 2018 in Indonesia on August 23.

The goal, described as “more valuable than gold” by many fans and commentators, was scored by Nguyen Cong Phuong, wearing jersey number 9, at the 88th minute. (

The goal, described as “more valuable than gold” by many fans and commentators, was scored by Nguyen Cong Phuong, wearing jersey number nine, at the 88th minute.

Vietnam launched it first major attack early into the game at the fifth minute but missed the target.

At the 23rd minute, Bahrain found the net, but it was ruled that the goal came from an offside position, and thus not allowed.

Bahrain’s midfielder Ahmed Sanad received a red card at the 42nd minute. The first half closed after two extra minutes, with neither team having scored.

At the 49th minute, Bahrain found the net and, once again, the goal was proven to have come from an offside position and was rejected.

Bahrain defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the last qualifying round match of Group F to qualify as one of the third-place teams, while Vietnam secured three wins to top Group D.

The men’s football at ASIAD 2018 features 25 teams made up of U23s and three senior players competing in a round robin across six groups. The top two teams from each group, together with the four best third-placed teams, advanced to the round of 16.

VNA