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Both Vietnam (44th in world ranking) and Panama (38th) entered the game with the highest determination, as the winning team will have a great chance to advance.
It only took three minutes for Vietnam to find the opener after a quick finish by Nguyen Minh Tri. Two teams went back and forth until the ninth minute when Vietnam scored the second goal. From a corner, Chau Doan Phat made a powerful shot at a narrow angle to make it 2-0.
Four minutes later, Panama closed the gap with a goal from Abdiel Castrellon.
Right after that, keeper Ho Van Y punted the ball and it almost went in. After checking the replay, the referee decided that the ball didn't cross the line.
Panama continued to put pressure on Vietnam for the rest of the first half and in the last minute, they equalized. Vietnam players have committed six fouls and according to the rules, Panama were given a direct freekick without a wall and once again, Castrellon scored.
In the second half, when Vietnam were holding up against Panama’s constant attacks, they took the lead with a solo effort by Nguyen Van Hieu in the 26th minute, as he dribbled past two Panama players and even the goalkeeper before scoring. After the goal, Panama put more heat on Vietnam’s defense but couldn’t get past the hands of keeper Y.
When the game only had three minutes left, Panama switched to powerplay as their keeper also came up to attack, but all of their shots failed to find the net and Vietnam won 3-2.
In the last game of group D, Vietnam will face the Czech Republic on Saturday.
Futsal World Cup: Vietnam 3-2 Panama
