Vietnam's team crushed New Zealand, brightening their championship hopes

(Football results) - Following a notable draw with Russia, Vietnam's futsal squad kept up their brilliant performance, beating New Zealand 4-1 in the second game of the 2026 Continental Championship Friendly – Thailand.

The Vietnam futsal team took the initiative early, applying pressure on the opponent's half. In the 5th minute, Tu Minh Quang skillfully dribbled down the left flank before delivering a perfect cross for Trinh Cong Dai to finish with a precise one-touch shot, opening the score at 1-0. After conceding, New Zealand pushed forward and implemented high-intensity pressing, but Vietnam's concentration and good defensive spacing prevented the opponents from creating clear chances.

For the remainder of the first half, the red-shirted squad maintained their dominance. Vietnam's futsal team actively pressured New Zealand from the moment goalkeeper Antamanov put the ball into play, causing the Kiwis great difficulty in building from the back. A well-organized and aggressive pressing style allowed Vietnam to control the game and preserve their 1-0 lead until halftime.

The second half saw little change in the flow, with Vietnam continuing to apply strong pressure. However, in the 31st minute, Paulsen suddenly broke behind the defense and fired a powerful shot that left goalkeeper Van Tu with no chance, leveling the score. Vietnam futsal needed only two minutes to regain the lead. Nhan Gia Hung led a swift transition before setting up Chau Doan Phat for a clean finish, making it 2-1.

The closing stages highlighted Vietnam futsal's superior strength. In the 34th minute, Cong Dai provided a good pass for Thinh Phat to unleash a trademark powerful shot into the top corner of New Zealand's net. Three minutes later, the opponents' defense was again helpless against Vietnam's smooth passing combinations, allowing Thai Huy to slot home accurately, sealing a convincing 4-1 victory.

Full time: Vietnam futsal 4-1 New Zealand

37' Goal: Vietnam futsal extends lead to 4-1

New Zealand's defense is completely overwhelmed by Vietnam's futsal team's passing moves. Thai Huy scores the fourth goal with a neat side-foot finish.

34' Goal: 3-1 for Vietnam Futsal

Cong Dai released the ball perfectly, and Thinh Phat unleashed his trademark powerful shot, sending the ball into the roof of New Zealand's net.

33' Goal: Vietnam futsal goes ahead 2-1

Vietnam futsal executed an impressive transition. Nhan Gia Hung assisted Chau Doan Phat, who finished cleanly to make it 2-1.

31' Goal: New Zealand equalizes 1-1

Paulsen cleverly slipped behind Vietnam's futsal defense and fired a fierce shot that goalkeeper Van Tu could not save in time.

26' No further goals yet

A similar scenario to the first half continues, as New Zealand Futsal struggles to bring the ball into Vietnam's half. The aggressive pressing from the red-shirted players right on the opponent's half is proving effective.

21' Second half begins

End of first half: Vietnam 1-0 New Zealand

15' Vietnam futsal impresses

Vietnam Futsal actively pushed up their formation, putting pressure from the moment goalkeeper Antamanov put the ball into play. The intense pressing style made it very difficult for New Zealand Futsal to organize and build from their own half.

8' New Zealand's response

New Zealand pushed high and pressed at high speed, but couldn't cause any surprises as Vietnam futsal's defensive organization remained intact.

5' Goal: Vietnam futsal opens the scoring early

Tu Minh Quang weaved his way down the left corner before sending a cross inside for Trinh Cong Dai to finish with a precise one-touch shot, opening the scoring for Vietnam futsal.

1' Match begins

New Zealand's starting lineup

Vietnam Futsal vs New Zealand Futsal: what time and where to watch live?

• Time: 18:00 on August 2
• Venue: Nonthaburi Indoor Stadium, Thailand
• Tournament: 2026 Intercontinental Championship Friendly – Thailand
• Live on: F PT Play

Notable information ahead of the Vietnam Futsal vs New Zealand Futsal match:

The Vietnam futsal team will enter their second match of the 2026 Intercontinental Championship Friendly – Thailand against New Zealand. After a highly positive performance against Russia in their opener, coach Diego Raul Giustozzi's side now has a favorable opportunity to secure their first victory in the tournament.

In the opening match, Vietnam futsal made a strong impression by holding Russia to a 2-2 draw. Despite falling behind, the Vietnamese players competed confidently, organized coherent attacks, and even led 2-1 at one point. In the final minutes, they created several clear scoring chances, showing they could compete on equal terms with a top European futsal nation.

In contrast to Vietnam's positive showing, New Zealand had an unfavorable start, losing 0-6 to hosts Thailand. The Oceanian side exposed many weaknesses in defense, pressing resistance, and maintaining intensity. Based on form and first-round performances, New Zealand is considered the weakest team among the five participating nations.

This match therefore represents a good chance for Vietnam futsal to aim for three points. However, coach Giustozzi and his players still need to maintain focus, capitalize on opportunities, and avoid unnecessary mistakes. A win would not only improve Vietnam's position on the table but also build confidence ahead of tough matches against Afghanistan and hosts Thailand.

Predicted lineups for Vietnam Futsal vs New Zealand Futsal

• Vietnam Futsal: Updating

• New Zealand Futsal: Updating