Despite going up against a weaker opponent, Vietnam head coach Dinh The Nam fielded his strongest players. Many chances were created in the first 10 minutes, but it was only in the 25th minute that one materialized. Nguyen Anh Tu passed from the right flank to Dinh Xuan Tien inside the box and the midfielder controlled the ball well before finishing powerfully into the top corner.
Vietnam got the second goal five minutes later from a penalty when captain Khuat Van Khang's cross hit the arm of a Hong Kong player inside the box. Nguyen Quoc Viet converted with no fuss.
Continuing to dominate after the break, Vietnam scored their third goal in the 51st minute with a great team play that was once again finished cleanly by Xuan Tien. Seven minutes later, captain Van Khang scored the fourth from a one-on-one with the keeper.
Leading 4-0, Vietnam slowed down and let Hong Kong get one back. Van Khang fouled Chen Ngo Hin inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Vietnam keeper Doan Huy Hoang was able to save the first shot from Ellison Tsang but could not save the tap-in. The replay later showed that Chen tripped himself and there was no contact from Khang, but there was no VAR in this game and the call was made.
With a few seconds left, Vietnam scored their fifth goal of the match. From a corner, Van Tu passed to Nguyen Duc Anh, who easily tapped the ball into an empty net.
Vietnam will play their next game Friday against Timor Leste.