Thai Son Nam storm into quarter-finals with emphatic victory
Ho Chi Minh City: A first-half brace by Hossein Tayebibidgoli and a commanding performance from Nguyen Van Huy between the posts gave hosts Thai Son Nam a famous 2-0 win over UAE’s Al Dhafrah, sealing the home side’s place in the last eight of the AFC Futsal Club Championship Vietnam 2017 after finishing second behind the UAE side in Group A.
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With nothing less than three points needed to ensure Thai Son Nam’s safe passage into the last eight, the clash against Group A leaders Al Dhafrah had all the makings of a classic.
Like most closely fought battles, the match was primed for a definitive moment of magic. A mazy run, a perfectly weighted defence splitting pass and a last-gasp goal-line interception.
The match between the two sides lived up to expectations, producing not just one but a series of classic moments.
Spurred on by a buoyant home crowd, Thai Son Nam came close in the opening minutes when Lukaian Baptista teed-off for Williams Oliveira Do Nascimento (Vassoura) to unleash a dipping right-foot effort just wide of Hassan Ali Alhantoobi’s goal
Al Dhafrah responded immediately after Vassoura found Rafael Henmi, who deceived the Vietnamese defence with a right feign before dispatching a fierce shot, forcing Van Huy to produce a fine reflex save.
Eight minutes in, the home side took the lead after Baptista and Le Quoc Nam combined forces to find Tayebibidgoli in the centre and the Iranian made no mistake from close range as the stadium erupted in cheers.
Al Dhafrah then came agonisingly close to an equaliser when they were awarded an unobstructed free-kick after Pham Duc Hoa was penalised for Thai Son Nam’s sixth accumulated foul.
Vassoura stepped up to unleash a powerful shot but was equally matched by the strong hands of Van Huy.
Thai Son Nam then doubled their lead, after Baptista displayed eagled-eyed foresight to intercept a pass in his own penalty area, driving down the middle before releasing an inch perfect through pass for Tayebibidgoli to slot home for his second in the 16th minute.
Just before the break, Van Huy would rescue Thai Son Nam once more - palming away Talib Mohamed’s thunderous first-time effort against and over the crossbar.
The second-half stage was set for another combative, lightning-paced contest as both sides looked to stamp their authority. But it was Thai Son Nam who orchestrated the first clear chance after Alhantoobi was caught too far from his penalty area, wastefully giving away possession to Pham Duc Hoa but the forward failed to direct his effort towards the empty goalmouth.
Just before the midway mark, it was Al Dhafrah’s turn to taunt - once again Vassoura intercepting from Tayebibidgoli before sprinting down the right with only the keeper to beat, but Van Huy got just enough of the ball before it spun off the left post.
The Vietnamese custodian would continue to stand firm, stopping a barrage of attempts in the closing stages, before wheeling away deservedly to the jubilant celebrations around the arena at the final whistle.
Thai Son Nam and Al Dhafrah will face either Nafit Al-Wasat or Al Rayyan who will face-off on Tuesday to determine the standings in Group B.
Miguel Rodrigo (Thai Son Nam Head Coach)
"Today was like a final, in fact after this group stage we should have no issues with pressure because we have played in ‘two finals.’ They are a good side but my players deserve the credit for an excellent performance. From the moment, we scored the two goals, we knew we had to be very resolute defensively. In Rafael and Vassoura, they have two very dangerous players, but defensively as a unit, we managed them very well."
Rui Daniel Guimaraes (Al Dhafra Head Coach)
"Listen, I said from the start, Thai Son Nam are the best team in the group. They have the home support, they have half the national team playing in their team so of course, we knew it was going to be difficult. Credit to them, but make no mistake, I am happy with my team’s performance. Now we wait for tomorrow, whether it is Al Rayyan or Nafit, we will do our best."
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com
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