Just Four Things: Iraq Vs. Vietnam

Credit: Iraq FA Twitter

5v5

The AFF Suzuki Cup champions, Vietnam, created a reputation for themselves for their defensive discipline and breathtaking counter-attack. But on this day, it was a task to see whose wall was sturdier than the other. Head coach Park Sang-Heo deployed his usual back three that can transition to a back five when defending. What made their first stern challenge all the more interesting was Iraq also set up similarly with their own defence.
Vietnam’s trial suddenly became on fire as there is a sense of curiosity on how the Golden Dragons can get through the very same system they deployed. We expected a stalemate, but instead, we were treated to a five-goal festival. Looking at the scoreline, you would feel that both sides had penetrated each other’s defensive line, but…
A Sitcom Coming Soon

If this match was a TV show, it would be a comedy thriller, but mostly comedy. It was Vietnam who struck first when Nguyen Quang Hai’s impressive build-up play saw him providing the final pass that lead to Ali Faez performing a sumptuous 360 degree backheel shot that unfortunately trickled into the low corner.

It only took 10 minutes later for Iraq to equalize when 18-year old striker Mohanad Ali, took advantage of Do Duy Manh poor attempt to intercept an Iraq through pass and finished with a stinging low strike. Before half-time though, Jalal Hassan pulled off a nice fingertip save to deny Nguyen Trong Hoang’s low shot, but a certain No. 10 (More on him later) managed to get the ball in seconds later after lax defending.
On the hour mark though, a series of comical events ensued that lead to Iraq’s second equalizer. Mohanad once again was involved when his header was saved point-blank by Dang Van Lam. But, panic ensued when Bui Tien Dung failed to get control of the ball (Though that could be attributed to Mohanad’s presence behind him) that resulted in a crazy goalmouth scramble. To Vietnam’s horror, the ball fell nicely for substitute Humam Tariq to slam it in, three minutes after he was just bought on.

Take It To Them Then

Vietnam had a strong showing in the 1st half. But as time went on in the 2nd half, they seem to slowly fade away. It’s kind of confusing that they look content to take a point by sitting deep and clear any danger with the score at 2-2 around at least 30 minutes to go. Maybe the fatigue got into Vietnam that made them to set-up like that after a strong first period, but it’s always a precarious position when you’re trying to cross that dangerous bridge and reach the end with a point in hand.

Sadly for Vietnam, they slipped and fell into a crevasse in the end. With their discipline defending already disappearing twice, the third time proved to be the most detrimental of them all. Nguyen Phong Hong Duy unnecessarily pulled down an Iraq forward by the edge of the box and up stepped wing-back Ali Adnan to take the set-piece. The free-kick was sublime as it went into the top corner that Van Lam had no chance of saving, to nick the win at 3-2.

Iraq had a proper go at Van Lam’s goal but not that overwhelmingly threatening. But you can’t help but feel Vietnam can actually get something had they continue where they left off in the first half as their task to get into the last 16 has now got slightly more difficult.

Cong Phuong Had To Stay

Nguyen Cong Phuong played a huge role in both of Vietnam’s goals. Nicknamed the “Messi Vietnam” (Hi, Faiz Nasir), his pace was key at the most important moments. On both of those goals, it was an Iraq defender that seemingly had the advantage of getting to the ball first. To their surprise, Cong Phuong came out of nowhere to provide for Vietnam. Cong Phuong provided pressure to cause mass confusion that lead to the own goal. He then somehow got to the loose ball to tap in a rebound Ahmad Ibrahim, who was nearer to the loose ball and meters ahead of Cong Phuong, was rightly punished.

Cong Phuong was lively, but it was strange that when the score was tied, he was the first person to be subbed off. He was Vietnam’s best player today so questions has to be asked why Hang-Seo take him off with about 30 minutes to go.