Vietnam had a really tough game against Malaysia, which was dragged to extra time. The tie was finally broken in the 111th minute.
From a freekick of captain Do Hung Dung, Tien Linh (number 9) jumped higher than everyone to score the winning goal for Vietnam with a header.
While Malaysia keeper Azri Ghani laid down in disappointment, Linh and the team started celebrating.
The goal helped Linh and his teammates relieve great pressure, because without it, the game would probably have to go into the intense penalty shootout.
Other teammates and members from the sideline also came to celebrate with the players.
This is Linh’s second goal in SEA Games this year. The first goal was an opener in the first group stage game against Indonesia and Vietnam went on to win 3-0.
Linh is one of the three overage players selected into the U23 team for this SEA Games.
In SEA Games 2019, he was still under 23 and contributed six goals in Vietnam’s journey to win the gold medal.
Despite being under pressure after missing many great scoring chances, he’s still one of the most prolific strikers in Vietnam in recent years.
On the contrary, Malaysia crumbled after conceding. They have defended the goal so well until Linh's goal.
After that, Linh got another chance to score as he tried to chip it over the keeper. However, it lacked power and precision.
Vietnam will play the final against Thailand on Sunday.
Nguyen Tien Linh's winning goal for Vietnam.