Vietnam started the match with high energy and made an instant impact. Just 20 seconds in, after a swift attacking combination, Dinh Cong Vien connected with a precise through ball from Nguyen Thinh Phat and slotted it past the keeper to open the scoring.

Only three minutes later, Vu Ngoc Anh dazzled with a solo effort, weaving past Lebanon’s defense. Although his initial shot was blocked, he followed up with a composed finish to double the lead.

With two early goals in hand, coach Diego Giustozzi's players shifted to a more controlled pace, prioritizing structure and defensive stability. Lebanon pushed forward in search of a response, but the Vietnamese backline remained resolute, anchored by an outstanding first-half performance from goalkeeper Pham Van Tu.

In the second half, despite being reduced to four men after a red card for Ngoc Linh and having to face Lebanon’s power-play tactics, Vietnam maintained their discipline and organization. Their defensive setup held firm, ensuring a clean sheet and preserving the two-goal cushion until the final whistle.

The win gives Vietnam six points from two matches in Group B. Combined with Thailand’s 6-1 triumph over Kuwait, both Southeast Asian teams have now secured spots in the knockout stage. Their upcoming clash will determine who finishes top of the group.

Coach Giustozzi: "Focus shifts to Thailand"

Speaking after the match, coach Diego Giustozzi expressed satisfaction with the result and the team’s overall composure.

"Lebanon presented a different challenge. They defended deep and were tactically organized," he said. "We prefer a more open game, so this wasn’t our ideal kind of match, but the key is we got the three points."

The Argentine tactician praised his players' adaptability, especially considering the unfavorable playing surface. “It was a tough game, the court didn’t suit our playing style, but we still came out with six points after two games  -  a very positive outcome.”

On the red card shown to Ngoc Linh, Giustozzi commented: “I believe it was a normal foul. Maybe the referee didn’t have the best view. But the decision stands, and we had to respond. The players handled the 3-on-4 situation excellently, keeping our goal safe.”

Despite the early goals, Giustozzi admitted Vietnam could have scored more with better final passes and sharper finishing. “The key now is to quickly shift our focus to the next match, which will take place in a different venue with better futsal conditions.”

Match summary

Goals:
Vietnam – Dinh Cong Vien (1'), Vu Ngoc Anh (4')

Red card:
Ngoc Linh (Vietnam) – two yellow cards (25’)

Starting lineups:
Vietnam: Pham Van Tu, Nguyen Manh Dung, Chau Doan Phat, Dinh Cong Vien, Nguyen Thinh Phat
Lebanon: Karim Jouedi, Mario Abou Jaoude, Mohamad Ossman, Ali Al Hadi Jammoul, Mohsen Mohsen

Group B standings after two rounds
Vietnam – 6 pts
Thailand – 6 pts
Lebanon – 0 pts
Kuwait – 0 pts

Thien Binh & Dai Nam