Vietnam drew 1-1 with the Philippines in their third match of the 2024 ASEAN Championship group stage on Wednesday evening, leaving them with a clear path to the knockout phase, though they could still be eliminated in the final matchday.

The Vietnamese team currently lead Group B with seven points. 

Indonesia and Myanmar are tied for second with four points each. 

The Philippines sit in fourth place with three points, while Laos have already been eliminated.

Vietnam dramatically equalized against the Philippines with a goal in the 90+7th minute of Wednesday's game.

In this match, the Vietnamese team fielded a somewhat unfamiliar lineup.

They struggled to exert much pressure throughout the game. 

In the ninth minute, Vu Van Thanh went down in the Philippines’ penalty area, but no penalty was awarded after a VAR review which determined there was no foul.

From that point, the team played in a state of deadlock, lacking fluid coordination to control the game. 

Most of their shots were from difficult positions and posed little threat to the Philippines’ defense.

In the second half, coach Kim Sang Sik surprised many by substituting Nguyen Quang Hai despite the score remaining 0-0. 

Nguyen Hoang Duc was brought on, but his presence did not make a significant impact.

A notable chance came in the 61st minute when Van Thanh’s shot hit the crossbar after the Philippines’ defense had a rare lapse.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese defense, featuring several new players, made a critical mistake. 

In the 68th minute, Khuat Van Khang misjudged a clearance, allowing Jarvey Gayoso to capitalize and score for the Philippines.

At this point, Vietnam began to push forward more aggressively. 

However, they remained disjointed, as evidenced by the fact that they had less possession than their opponents -- 48 percent compared to 52 percent -- as the match approached the final whistle.

Yet, in the seventh minute of stoppage time, luck smiled on Vietnam. 

Philippine goalkeeper Patrick Deyto rushed out to challenge a corner kick but failed to control the ball. 

This allowed Doan Ngoc Tan to head into an empty net and secure the dramatic 1-1 equalizer.

Having narrowly avoided defeat, the Vietnamese team now have seven points, but they have not secured a spot in the knockout round.

They will next take on Myanmar in their final group-stage game in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam on Saturday. 

Vietnam will advance if they beat or draw against Myanmar, or if they lose by less than two goals and the upcoming Indonesia-Philippines match ends in a draw. 

However, they could be eliminated if they lose to Myanmar by two or more goals, provided Indonesia defeat the Philippines, as this would result in a three-way tie on seven points with Myanmar and Indonesia, with the Vietnamese bowing out on goal difference.

The 2024 ASEAN Championship kicked off on December 8, with the finale set for January 5, 2025. 

Vietnam are placed in Group B, alongside Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar.

Group A includes Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste.

During the group stage, each side play two home and two away matches to determine the top two teams advancing to the semifinals. 

The semifinals and finale follow a two-legged knockout format.

Vietnam aim to reach the finale at the tournament.

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