Nhan Dan – The Vietnam Olympic football team qualified for the round of 16 at the 17th Asian Games (Asiad) in Incheon, despite one game in hand as their two Group H opponents, Iran and Kyrgyzstan held each other to a 1-1 draw on September 18. >> Vietnam beat Iran 4-1 in Asiad opener
The Iranians played offensively from the start, striving for a win to rekindle their hope of progressing into the tournament after they conceded a bitter 1-4 loss to Vietnam in the Asiad opener four days ago.
The first 45 minutes ended up in a goalless, draw regardless of concerted efforts from both sides.
It was not until the 77th minute that the deadlock was broken, with Pouraliganj heading home a corner kick to put Iran ahead 1-0.
As it had seemed to be a precious win for Iran, Avazbek Otkeev shone at the right time to equalise for Kyrgyzstan with a close-range header on the last official minute of play, holding back Kyrgyzstan’s advantage over Iran for the group’s remaining Round 16 place.
The disappointing draw put Iran closer to elimination, with their fragile opportunity to progress depending on the result of the clash between Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan scheduled in three days’ time.
Olympic Vietnam will need just one point in their September 22 meeting with Olympic Kyrgyzstan to wrap up their group-stage qualifying campaign in first position.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
