Vietnam suffer 0-4 defeat against Iran in Asian Games football

Vietnam left two key attackers on the bench for the element of surprise against Iran. The plan was to not concede in the first half and then switch two offense in the second by putting these attackers on. However, that plan soon crumbled when Iran scored in the fifth minute with Arsalan Motahari’s header.

After conceding, Iran continued to pressed Vietnam with their superior strength and skills. Vietnam had to wait until the 26th minute to get the first shot on goal with Bui Vi Hao’s attempt. The first half ended 1-0 for Iran who dominated in every aspect.

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan did not make any substitution after the first half to change the team’s dynamic and he finally did it after Iran scored two minutes into the second half. Nguyen Duc Anh could not keep up with Saman Touranian and let this player finish past goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan easily.

The changes did make Vietnam played slightly better, but they still struggled to get the ball into Iran’s box.

Just five minutes after the second goal, Iran found the third with Mehdi Hashemnejad’s finish at the edge of the box.

In the remaining time, Vietnam players mostly chased the ball while Iran kept their defense solid.

They even found the fourth goal in the second additional minute with Aria Barzegar’s header. With this win,

Iran have advanced to the next round, while Vietnam will have to win or at least get a draw against Saudi Arabia in their last group stage game on Sunday to keep the hope of advancing.