Vietnamese football fans hunt for vuvuzelas

Singers free during World Cup season

Footballers leave for six-a-side champs

Vietnam did not start the tournament well with a 1-0 loss to Canada in their opening match. However, with some adjustments in the second match, Vietnam defeated China 1-0.

The Vietnamese players continued to play with high spirits in the crucial game to earn a berth in the quarter-finals as they convincingly beat hosts South Africa 4-1.

In the quarter-finals, Vietnam expressed their great determination against very strong opponents from the US, drawing 0-0 in the main time. Despite his injury in previous matches, goalkeeper Nguyen Hoang Hai Ly outstandingly saved three penalties by the US team, leading Vietnam to the semi-finals where they trounced defending champions Argentina 4-1.

Vietnam’s dream at the tournament only came to an end after they were lost in the final to Brazil by a close score of 1-0.

The 2010 Budweiser World Six-a-side Championships was held at Loftus Versfield Stadium, which also hosted the FIFA World Cup’s opening match. The tournament brought together teams from Vietnam, the US, Brazil, Canada, Germany, China, Argentina, Abu Dhabi, Chile and hosts South Africa to battle it out under futsal rules.

In last year’s tournament, held at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium, Vietnam also came in second after losing to Argentina on penalties.

Source: Nhan Dan