AFF Suzuki Cup 2016: Group B Recap

Still catching your breath from last week’s exciting AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 Group Stage action? Here are some key takeaways from each team’s performance in Group B:

VIETNAM

The Golden Stars headed to Myanmar expecting a tricky Group B, and they were not disappointed with three matches which tested them in a number of ways.

But Vietnam passed each of those tests, beginning with a dramatic 2-1 victory against the hosts that seemed to be up for grabs until the final whistle, 10 minutes after veteran striker Le Cong Vinh provided what would turn out to be the game-winner.

Three days later it was Nguyen Trong Hoang, a revelation in the group stages scoring in the 80th minute in a narrow 1-0 result over Malaysia, clinching passage to the semifinals. Meanwhile, Saturday’s dead rubber against Cambodia proved challenging in a different way when the team was forced to spend over 80 minutes with 10 men.

Whether or not Vietnam can withstand Indonesia in the semifinals will likely hinge on goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh, who delivered a standout performance despite a lack of support from his back line.