Vietnam beats Philippines, entering AFF Suzuki Cup final

Vietnam entered the finals of the ASEAN Federation Football (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018 after defeating the Philippines 2-1 in the return leg of the semifinal, which took place at Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium on December 6.

Nguyen Trong Hoang doing battle with Kevin Ingreso.

With a 2-1 lead from last Sunday’s first leg in Bacolod, Vietnam entered the return encounter at the My Dinh National Stadium firmly in the driving seat especially being in possession of two away goals.

In the 83^rd minute, Vietnam finally broke the deadlock when Phan Van Duc did well to break free down the left and advance on goal before laying a ball across the face of goal to leave Nguyen Quang Hai with a simple tap-in.

Just four minutes later, they struck again to effectively kill the contest as Nguyen Cong Phuong’s attempted pass was intercepted by Adam Tull but fell kindly back into his path, paving the way for him to lash a ferocious shot past Patrick Deyto at the near post.

To their credit, the Azkals refused to give in and pulled one back a minute from time when a corner caused pinball inside the area and James Younghusband reacted quickest to stab home from close range.

Nonetheless, it proved to be a mere consolation as there was be no repeat of the “Miracle of Hanoi” that took place for Philippines in 2010, when they claimed a monumental win at the same venue to en route to reaching the knockout round of the tournament for the first time ever.

Instead, it is now Vietnam who will face Malaysia in the final of AFF Suzuki Cup 2018, with the first leg to take place on December 11 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium./.

VNF/FOX Sport Asia