Classy Vietnam Put Four Past Laos to Begin ASEAN Cup Campaign

Written by Thinh Nguyen

Above: Nguyen Tien Linh after scoring Vietnam's 2nd of the night

Vietnam kicked off their ASEAN Cup campaign with a bang, putting 4 past a persistent Laotian defence who in the end were no match for the Gold Star Warriors.

After much speculation and fanfare regarding whether this Vietnam team have what it takes to challenge for the title, a clear message was put out to the rest of the competition that this Vietnam team were not here to be spectators. While it was a cagey first half, with Laos holding out to a goalless half time scoreline, it was Nguyen Hai Long who would not be denied, scoring a brilliant half volley to give Vietnam a deserved lead, before Nguyen Tien Linh would capitalise on an error from the Laotian defence just 5 minutes later, allowing Vietnam to double their lead.

Goals from Nguyen Van Toan and Nguyen Van Vi would later put the game away, but despite conceding a late penalty, the spirited result has raised optimism and raised spirits in the Vietnamese camp, who currently sit top of Group B, with Indonesia just behind them and the Philippines still holding a game in hand.