Vietnam played with confidence from the referee’s first whistle. After receiving a pass from striker Nguyen Van Quyet in the fifth minute, midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai nearly managed to score the opener for Vietnam but hit the crossbar.

In the 23rd minute, Bughammar Ahmed beat Vietnamese goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung but it was decided that the goal came from an offside position, and thus was disallowed.

In the 38th minute, Dung managed to save the ball following a shot by Marhoon Mohammed.

However, Bahrain’s midfielder Ahmed Sanad was issued a red card in the 42nd minute after a rough tackle against midfielder Vu Van Thanh.

In the second half, Vietnam continued controlling the game. Vietnamese head coach Park Hang-seo changed his tactics and players to seek goals but the team were still unable to capitalise on opportunities.

After missing many chances, Phuong fulfilled Vietnam’s dream with a goal in the 87th minute after collecting the ball from the right flank and finding the back of the net with a powerful shot.

Earlier, Bahrain qualified for the last 16 as one of the third-placed teams of Group F, while Vietnam secured three wins to top Group D.

Vietnam will face Syria on August 27. (Vietnamnews.vn)