Newly-appointed Toshiya Miura made his first big impression on Vietnamese supporters as hosts Vietnam defeated Hong Kong 3-1 in a friendly match at Haiphong’s Lach Tray stadium on September 6.

This was both teams’ second clash this year. Vietnam overwhelmed Hong Kong 3-1 in the Asian Cup 2015 qualifying round last March in a match to say farewell to coach Hoang Van Phuc.

The 3-1 win on September 6 was considered a source of encouragement for Miura and his men in their quest for trophy at the AFF Suzuki Cup later this year.

With strikers Hai Anh and Cong Vinh in the line-up, Miura’s players took control at the start of the match.

On 3 minutes, after a right-wing pass, the ball hit a Hong Kong defender and bounced back, Hai Anh took advantage and lashed home a volley, giving Vietnam the lead.

The early goal encouraged Miura’s players to play confidently. Receiving a pass from his teammate, striker Cong Vinh broke Hong Kong’s defence line, but failed to win goalkeeper Hung Fai in a face-to-face encounter.

Cong Vinh had another chance to score a goal on 28 minutes, yet the ball hit the vertical bar.

After the interval, it was Hai Anh again who extended Vietnam’s lead with a header on 48 minutes.

Wai Ho narrowed the score from a penalty kick before Cong Vinh hammered home, sealing a 3-1 win for Vietnam.

Coach Miura was satisfied with the result of the match, commending his players for their good performance.

“If we better took advantage of changes, we might have scored 5 to 6 goals….. This is a perfect test for the team prior to the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014,” said the Japanese coach.

VOV/VNN