Vietnam secured a place in the third-place playoff after a comeback victory over Pakistan, winning 4-2 in an intense match. This triumph sets Vietnam up to face Malaysia on October 5, keeping their hopes of earning a bronze medal alive in the competition.
The match kicked off with Pakistan taking an unexpected lead in the 31st minute. Mohib Ullah capitalized on a defensive miscommunication from Vietnam to score, putting Pakistan ahead. However, the second half saw Vietnam respond with determination and skill.
Substitutes Nguyen Dinh Bac and Phan Tuan Tai made significant contributions after the break. Nguyen Hai Long brought Vietnam back on level terms just five minutes into the second half, following an assist from Tuan Tai. The momentum shifted as Vietnam took the lead in the 57th minute when Dinh Bac found space on the left and set up captain Nguyen Hoang Duc, who scored with a precise left-footed finish.
Dinh Bac continued to be a pivotal figure, extending Vietnam’s lead in the 80th minute. He expertly controlled a long pass from Tuan Tai and finished at the near post. Although Pakistan managed to reduce the deficit in the 88th minute with a deflected shot from Ali Akbar Khan, Vietnam sealed their victory in stoppage time. Dinh Bac once again played a crucial role, assisting Williams Minh Hoang to score his first international goal, concluding the match at 4-2.
This victory placed Vietnam in second place in Group B with six points, trailing behind Indonesia and Thailand, who will compete in the final. Vietnam’s performance in this match keeps their aspirations for a bronze medal alive as they prepare to face Malaysia in the upcoming playoff.