VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam beat Lebanon 3-1 in the first Group D match of the Asian Cup 2011 qualifying round at the Hanoi-based My Dinh National Stadium on Wednesday.

From a free kick, Minh Phuong slotted the ball past Lebanon’s goalie’s hand to give Vietnam a 1-0 lead after just 11 minutes.

Striker Cong Vinh doubled the score in the 30^th minute with a close-range shot in the box, but he was sent off in the second half after receiving his second yellow card of the game.

Without their top striker, Vietnam worked hard to repel Lebanon players’ attacks.

But in a counterattack, striker Viet Thang ventured forward down the right, passing the ball to Quang Hai, who made a pinpoint shot toward the net. The ball hit the woodwork and midfielder Vu Phong moved forward to lash home.

The Lebanon players scored their only goal 17 minutes before the referee blew the last whistle.

With the 3-1 win, Vietnam topped Group D after Syria defeated China 3-2 in another Group D match the same day.

After the match, Minh Phuong, who scored the first goal of the match and Vu Phong, the overall favorite player, received US$1,000 from Duy Loi Company.

Viet Nam will clash with Lebanon in the second leg on Sunday. Vietnam will then meet China in Beijing on January 21 before flying home for Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays.

The Asian Cup 2011 qualifying round drew Viet Nam in group D, with China, Syria and Lebanon.

It is Viet Nam’s first meet with a formidable Chinese team after eight years. China’s players have gained a lot of international exposure throughout the period. Player Dong Fang Zhou has played for Manchester United, Zheng Zhi has togged out for Charlton Athletics and Sun Ji Hai plays for Sheffield Wednesday.

Viet Nam’s best year in the Asian Cup was in 2007 when the team qualified for the quarter-finals.

In 2007, Viet Nam co-hosted the Asian Cup with Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

In the qualifying round for the Beijing Olympics, Viet Nam beat Lebanon 2-0 to qualify for the third round.

Vietnamese players who joined the match against Lebanon:

Goalkeeper: Hong Son

Fullbacks: Phuoc Tu, Nhu Thanh, Quang Thanh (Minh Duc came in at the 81^st minute), Viet Cuong

Midfielders: Minh Phuong (Minh Chau came in at the 62^nd minute), Tai Em, Tan Tai (Quang Hai came in at the 53^rd minute), Vu Phong

Strikers: Viet Thang, Cong Vinh

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