Vietnam thrash Iran 4-1 in shock win in Asian Games men’s football
Monday, September 15, 2014, 17:04 GMT+7
Vietnam began their journey in the men's football (soccer) event at the 2014 Asian Games with a stunning 4-1 victory over Iran during their Group H opener in the South Korean city of Incheon on Monday.
Considered the underdogs in this clash, the Vietnamese still displayed a high formation and created many attacks right from the beginning.
But the under-23 players from both sides failed to cause any real challenge to each other 15 minutes into the game, before Huy Toan took Vietnam to a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute.
Midfielder Mac Hong Quan made a pass close to the Iranian goal for striker Huy Toan to dart in and cushion home the opening goal to the joy of Vietnam’s coach, Toshiya Miura. Only four minutes later, Quan earned himself a goal, widening the lead to 2-0.
Three minutes before the break, Vietnamese goalie Buu Ngoc denied an attempt by Rezaei Kaved by blocking his shot from the penalty area.
Vietnam, cheered by around 200 Vietnamese supporters who are overseas students and guest workers in South Korea, ended the first half two goals clear of their Iranian rivals.
First half -- Video credit: 24h
Iran created more pressure on Miura's men in the second half, but goalie Buu Ngoc continued his excellent performance to keep the Vietnamese sheet clean.
In the 63rd minute, Iran were awarded a penalty after Sharifi Mehdi was fouled by the Vietnamese goalkeeper. Iranian captain Mosalman Mohsen shortened the lead to 1-2 from the penalty spot.
Substitute Phi Son lifted the score to 3-1 with a well-taken goal 23 minutes into the second half.
In the 82nd minute, a Hoang Thinh free kick struck an Iranian defender and rebounded into the goal frame, sealing it 4-1 for Vietnam.
Second half -- Video credit: 24h
Iranian defender Khanzadehdaraby Mohammad Reza was booked a second yellow card after he assaulted goalie Buu Ngoc in the 85th minute.
Vietnam secured a stunning win against ten-men Iran as the referee blew the final whistle. The Vietnamese will play their second Group H game against Kyrgyzstan on September 22.
The 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 is hosted by South Korea from September 19 to October 4.
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