Vietnam fight back to beat Pakistan 4-2 and set up Malaysia playoff

Dinh Bac played a decisive role in the second-half turnaround, scoring once and creating two goals as Kim Sang-sik’s side recovered from a frustrating opening period.

Match highlight

Vietnam entered their final Group B fixture unable to reach the final following their 2-0 defeat by Thailand. Victory over Pakistan nevertheless offered the opportunity to compete for the bronze medal and restore confidence after that setback.

The Vietnamese side began positively, controlling possession and creating several promising openings. However, their inability to convert those chances left the contest open, and Pakistan threatened through quick counter-attacks.

One such move brought the breakthrough in the 32nd minute, with Mohib Ullah finishing to give Pakistan the lead.

Vietnam struggled to find an immediate response and reached the interval trailing, leaving Kim to make changes in search of greater attacking fluency.

Those adjustments quickly paid off after the restart. In the 50th minute, Tuan Tai found Hai Long, who beat a Pakistan centre-back before producing a precise finish to equalise.

Vietnam completed the turnaround seven minutes later through a sharp move led by Dinh Bac. The attacker accelerated forward, drawing defenders towards him before supplying Hoang Duc for a first-time finish.

With the pressure lifted, Vietnam’s passing combinations became more cohesive, and they began to play with greater confidence.

Dinh Bac added the third in the 80th minute, collecting the ball at the end of a direct attacking move and firing home to establish a two-goal cushion.

Pakistan refused to concede the contest, however, and Ali Khan restored the tension in the 88th minute. Driving through the centre towards the edge of the penalty area, he unleashed a powerful shot that beat goalkeeper Le Giang and reduced the deficit to 3-2.

Vietnam responded decisively in the first minute of stoppage time. Dinh Bac again advanced with the ball before releasing Williams Minh Hoang, whose emphatic finish settled the match at 4-2.

The result rewarded Vietnam’s improved second-half performance while highlighting Dinh Bac’s influence as both scorer and provider.

Kim’s side will now face Malaysia for the bronze medal at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm on October 5.