Despite a home win, Vietnam said “Good-Bye” to the 2014 World Cup as Qatar trounced Vietnam 4-2 on aggregate.
Vietnam, who lost 3-0 to Qatar in the first leg, started the game with great determination to win at least three goals and had better ball possession. In the 8th minute, Tai Em shot wide of the left post. Three minutes later, Viet Cuong’s strike was saved by Qatari goalkeeper Qasem Burhan.
Yusef Ahmed scored the opener for the visitor in the 16th minute with his super volley.
After the goal, Vietnam tried their best to come back from behind, creating many chances to score. But Cong Vinh’s two headers in the 19th and 26th minutes were saved by keeper Qasem Burhan.
Tan Tai the shot over the crossbar in the 30th minute before Trong Hoang struck wide of the post.
Vietnam coach Falko Goetz replaced Tai Em by Minh Chau to strengthen the midfield.
After the break, Falko Goetz made two more changes, bringing on Quang Hai and Van Quyet to substitute Ngoc Thanh and Thanh Luong. Vietnam intensified their attacks to level the score and their efforts paid off.
Trong Hoang equalised for Vietnam in the 59th minute when he stole the ball from Qatar defender and fired into the net.
Substitute Quang Hai made it 2-1 in the 77th minute when he headed in from Quang Thanh’s free kick.
At the press conference after the match, Vietnam’s coach Falko Goetz said he was satisfied with his players’ excellent performance. Meanwhile, Qatari coach Milovan Rajevic said Vietnam played well in the second half to deserve a victory and Vietnam team has a good prospect.
By HN