Vietnam's winning streak against Malaysia began in the U23 Asian qualifiers on 27/3/2015, with a 2-1 victory. Since then, Vietnam has secured 10 consecutive wins over 10 years, scoring a total of 25 goals while conceding only 5.
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Defender Pham Ly Duc (left) celebrates after Nguyen Hieu Minh scored the opening goal for Vietnam against Malaysia in the final match of Group B men's football at SEA Games 33, held at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand, on the afternoon of 11/12. *Photo: Hieu Luong* |
The team's largest victory during this period occurred in the group stage of SEA Games 28 in Singapore on 2/6/2015, with a 5-1 scoreline. Nguyen Cong Phuong scored twice, while Mac Hong Quan, Vo Huy Toan, and Nguyen Van Toan each contributed one goal. This also marks the widest margin between the two teams at this level.
Vietnam's most recent loss to this opponent was on 17/12/2013 in the group stage of SEA Games 27, with a 1-2 score. The most recent win came in the final Group B match of men's football at SEA Games 33 in Thailand. Defenders Nguyen Hieu Minh and Pham Minh Phuc each scored, helping Kim Sang-sik's squad secure a 2-0 victory and advance to the semifinals.
Vietnam has faced Malaysia in 23 matches at this level since 1999. The team has won 17, drawn one, and lost 5 matches, scoring 46 goals and conceding 22.
Excluding friendly matches, the two teams have met in 16 encounters. Vietnam has won 12 matches, lost 4, scored 33 goals, and conceded 18.
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Head-to-head record between Vietnam and Malaysia at U23 level. |
The two players who scored in the match on the afternoon of 11/12 are familiar faces. Defender Hieu Minh has now scored 4 goals for the team, while Minh Phuc registered his second goal. Minh Phuc has also been involved in three of Vietnam's goals at SEA Games 33. Dinh Bac has contributed to all 4 goals, with two goals and two assists. However, the current leading scorer in the golden boot race is host striker Yotsakorn Burapha, with three goals.
Kim Sang-sik's squad topped Group B and awaits their semifinal opponent on 15/12.
Xuan Binh
