Vietnam’s U23 squad faced
stiff competition this week, beating Galatasaray 2-1 at the Challenge
Cup at Thong Nhat Stadium in HCM City on September 27.
Striker Le Van Thang and midfielder Nguyen Van Quyet each scored one
goal in the second half with Turkey’s substitute responding with a goal
for the visiting team.
Galatasaray, who began the match as
favourites, gave an impressive start but quickly faced an increasingly
confident Vietnamese side, bolstered by strong defensive play.
Vietnam failed to set up early opportunities but continued an
aggressive attack on the Turkish defence. Possession favoured the
Vietnamese side but several missed attempts from striker Mac Hong Quan
prevented an early lead.
Quan fumbled two chances from the left wing, following strong efforts from teammates on the right flank.
Fans were left gripping their seats at the 43rd minute when Quan sent a
ball flying above the goal, after a grueling set up from his teammates.
Teams went to the lockers at half time with an empty
scoreboard after Minh Tuan lobbed a free kick into the Galatasaray
keeper’s gloves.
Vietnam dominated possession in the second half, setting up opportunities to break the deadlock.
Following a series of missed shots, Thang broke the impasse at the
62nd minute after a blocked attempt from Ha Minh Tuan, deflected by the
Turkish goalkeeper.
Turkey’s substitutions – made to revive its
chances – paid off as substitute Demir responded strongly with an
equaliser just two minutes from full time.
The Vietnamese side
responded one minute later as Tuan set up teammate Quyet to use his body
to drive the ball over the line. While Uysal managed to clear the ball
away, the referee determined the ball had crossed the goal line.
Vietnam will play their second match against Santos’ U23 side on September 29.-VNA