Vietnam defeated Syria thanks to Tuan Hai's masterpiece

Striker Pham Tuan Hai scored a long-range goal to help Vietnam beat Syria 1-0 in a friendly match at Thien Truong Stadium on the evening of June 20.

Tuan Hai's shot from about 18 meters away helped Vietnam defeat Syria at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh province on the evening of June 20, 2023.

Coach Philippe Troussier gave three U23 players a chance to start, but Vietnam still had the upper hand against their opponents, who are ranked 90th in FIFA. The home team wasted chances in the first half, but finally took advantage of the situation to score early in the second half. Vietnam ended the June 2023 FIFA friendlies with two 1-0 wins, against Hong Kong and Syria.

Tuan Hai was the hero of the match, even though he did not start. The 25-year-old striker came on in the second half to replace Nguyen Cong Phuong, and it only took four minutes to score. From a failed tackle by midfielder Kamel Hmeisheh, Nguyen Thai Son passed the ball to Tuan Hai in front of the penalty area, allowing the striker to turn and shoot low across the corner past goalkeeper Ahmad Madanieh.

Tuan Hai celebrates his third goal for the Vietnam team.

Vietnam kept the ball a bit more because Syria took the initiative to play defensive counter-attacks, following the familiar style of coach Hector Cuper. He had led Valencia to two Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001 thanks to this style of play. However, Cuper has not won any titles in the past 26 years. On March 26, Syria, also with this style of play, beat Thailand 3-1 in a friendly match.

Vietnam also performed much better than in the previous match against Hong Kong five days ago, despite missing midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc. 20-year-old Nguyen Thai Son took over his senior's duties well, helping the home team control the game, assist in blocking and create goals.

The home team could have scored earlier if they had taken advantage of their opportunities in the first half. In the first few minutes, striker Nguyen Van Tung missed two close-range chances. In the 36th minute, Nguyen Quang Hai crossed for Cong Phuong to head the ball into the top of the net. Meanwhile, Syria failed to create any truly dangerous situations.

Midfielder Nguyen Thai Son (number 14) played well in his debut match for the national team.

Although the home team wasted their chances, the audience at Thien Truong Stadium still cheered enthusiastically with continuous waves of people. And finally, they were overwhelmed when Tuan Hai opened the score in the second half. Thien Truong Stadium was also full of spectators at the 31st SEA Games, even when Vietnam did not compete.

Vietnam still dominated the game when they took the lead, although there were times when Syria fought back. The visitors' best chance came in the 67th minute, when Mohammad Al Marmour took a free kick and hung the ball towards the second post for Moaiad Al Khouli to fly in and head low in an open position, but the ball missed the target. The home team also counter-attacked several times, but Quang Hai and then Nguyen Van Toan missed good shooting opportunities.

This match was uneventful for the team, as coach Troussier both gave opportunities to young players and won. Thai Son and Phan Tuan Tai played well in their first start, while midfielder Hoang Van Toan also made his debut for the team. Khuat Van Khang and Nguyen Van Tung were given more opportunities, and these players gained more experience for U23 Vietnam before important tournaments ahead such as the Asiad or Asia.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese team surpassed Palestine in the FIFA rankings to rank 15th in Asia. Being in the top 18 of the AFC, Vietnam is also guaranteed to be in Group 2 of the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia. In November 2023, Troussier and his team will begin the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Vietnam's squad: Van Lam - Van Thanh (Tien Anh 46), Duy Manh, Ngoc Hai, Tuan Tai, Van Hau (Van Khang 63) - Quang Hai (Thanh Binh 84), Tuan Anh (Van Toan 74), Thai Son - Van Tung (Van Toan 74), Cong Phuong (Tuan Hai 46).

According to vnexpress.net

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