Football News: Vietnam wins friendship tournament in Hung Thinh 3-0 against India

Before the match, Igor Stimac said, "It will be a very different game against a much stronger opponent, so our approach will also change accordingly. I've watched their first match against Singapore and they (Vietnam) are a very disciplined side."

India last clashed with Vietnam in an international friendly in Pune, where the Indian squad emerged with a 3-1 victory with Sunil Chhetri's hat-trick.

Vietnam had earlier secured a comfortable 4-0 win over Singapore in their opening match on September 21.

The loss against higher-ranked Vietnam was a reality check for India following the dominating victories against Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Afghanistan during the AFC Cup and a 1-1 tie against Singapore on September 24.

Within the regulation time, Phan Van Duc in the 10th minute, Nguyen Van Toan in the 49th minute, and Nguyen Van Quyet in the 70th minute were the goalscorers for Vietnam, while none of the players from India was able to score.

India started the first half well but failed to match the superior football played by Vietnam for the rest of the match. Vietnam opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a rebound from a corner land near the goal post, allowing Phan Van Duc to slot the ball into the goal with an excellent volley.

Vietnam's midfield kept mounting pressure on the Indian squad by sending consecutive passes to the attackers. The problems for India worsened after Sahal Abdul Samad faced a medical issue and had to be substituted in the 38th minute.

India got a golden opportunity to equalize the score just before half-time. Akash Mishra lifted an excellent chip to Sunil Chhetri in the Vietnamese box, but his header went wide. The first half ended with a 1-0 lead for Vietnam.

Nguyen Van Toan and Nguyen Van Quyet added two more goals for the home side as they carried on with their attacking momentum in the second half. India tried to push back and got a few shots but failed to convert them. The final whistle rang, and Vietnam emerged victorious with a score of 3-0.