Viet Nam eased into the semi-final of the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Cambodia on November 24.

Vietnamese players celebrate their goal scored in their 3-0 win over Cambodia on November 24. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

Two goals at the end of the first half followed by a strike in the second half saw coach Park Hang-seo’s team progress to the next round.

The team who now are on top of Group A will now face either Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines who all play on Sunday.

Buoyed by their home support at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium in Hà Nội, the home side never looked like losing this match.

From the outset, Việt Nam were in charge.

Phan Văn Đức tested the Cambodian goalkeeper Um Vichet early on with a stinging volley he tipped over the bar.

In the first half, it was all Việt Nam.

They managed a staggering 10 shots compared to the visitor’s one.

Despite their constant pressure, almost Liverpool-like with their pressing, it took 39 minutes before they found the back of the net.

The goal came after good work down the right hand side freed Nguyễn Trọng Hoàng who’s inch perfect cross found the head Nguyễn Tiến Linh who’s bullet header found the back of the net.

They say the best time to score is just before half-time. If that’s the case, then the best time to score two has to be the same.

Two minutes later Nguyễn Quang Hải doubled the advantage. He was picked out perfectly just a few yard out of goal and found the back of the net with an easy side-foot effort.

Half time, two nil, and essentially game over.

After the break Cambodia looked down-beat and the second half become more of a training game for the home team.

The visitors never threatened and Vietnamese goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm was virtually a spectator for the latter 45 minutes.

With ease, the home side passed the ball around and never looked threatened.

Although not needed, Việt Nam added the third on 61st minutes by midfielder Đức. 

It was an individual goal. He took the ball on the edge of the box and fired home to put the game beyond Cambodian reach. 

The victory sees Việt Nam qualify for the next round without conceding a goal in the group stages.

A semi-final beckons at the beginning of December. One match away from a final, and no doubt the support shown Saturday night will get louder and louder as the tournament progresses. — VNS