Bangkok (VNA) – Vietnam’s football team secured itswin at the last minute of the added time of an opener against Thailand of the football King’s Cup 2019 on June 5 after aheader by forward Anh Duc following a corner kick by midfielder Xuan Truongfound the net of its arch rival.
Before that, goalie Van Lam’s net was shaken at the 70th minute, but the goal for Thailand was ruled out as the referee determined thata host defender had fouled a Vietnamese player. This served as a warning forVietnam that they needed to cement their control of the middle field.
Midfielders Quang Hai had a spectacular shot at the 80th minute but the ball missed the bar by inches only, much to the regret ofspectators both at the stadium and watching the match on TV.
At the 89th minute, Xuan Truong was sent in as a strategicsubstitute and he proved his value with the corner kick which found Anh Duc’shead. The header was so powerful that the Thai goalie could not block therebounding ball.
With the score, Vietnam proved that they are reigningchampions in Southeast Asia.
King’s Cup is a friendly four-side competition held annually. This year, Vietnam, India, Curacao and the host - Thailand compete from June 5-8.-VNA