Vietnam pip Jordan to reach Asian Cup quarter-finals, Latest Football News - The New Paper
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Vietnam pip Jordan to reach Asian Cup quarter-finals

Vietnam emerged victorious from a penalty shoot-out with Jordan to become the first team to reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals yesterday, after being the last side to scrape into the Round of 16.

After extra-time finished at 1-1, Bui Tien Dung rolled in the decisive spot-kick for a 4-2 penalties win and saluted the crowd after Baha Faisal and Ahmed Samir had missed for Jordan.

Vietnam had secured their spot in the knockout stage only because of a better disciplinary record over Lebanon. Both sides had finished with identical points and goals records.

However, the Southeast Asian champions came back from a goal down to force extra-time, and they were on balance the stronger and more positive team over the 120 minutes.

Vital Borkelmans’ Jordan took the lead when Baha Abdel-Rahman's free-kick from the right edge of the penalty area bent around the wall and flew into the top corner six minutes before half-time.

However, the goal stung Vietnam into action and they levelled six minutes after the break, when Nguyen Cong Phuong showed great technique to steer home a volley from close range. – REUTERS

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