OFFICIAL: Opponent loses 0-5 by default, yet Vietnam still cannot win the championship

The 0-5 forfeit by New Zealand against Russia means Vietnam's futsal team has no path to the title in the Thailand friendly competition.

Vietnam's futsal team has completed four matches in the international friendly tournament hosted by Thailand with an unbeaten record. Coach Diego Giustozzi's squad earned 8 points from two wins and two draws, achieving a goal difference of +4. Although they temporarily sit at the top of the table, Vietnam can only finish as runners-up after the final round on August 6.

The highlight of the final round is the clash between hosts Thailand and Russia. Thailand currently has 7 points and a +11 goal difference, so a draw against Russia would level them on 8 points with Vietnam, but they would overtake them due to a better tiebreaker. If they win, the Land of Golden Pagoda will naturally be crowned champions.

Russia also still has a chance to win the title, holding 5 points and a +5 goal difference. If they defeat Thailand by any score, Russia will reach 8 points, equaling Vietnam but ranking higher on goal difference. Therefore, regardless of the outcome of this match, Vietnam's futsal team cannot remain at the top.

The unfavorable situation stems from New Zealand's sudden refusal to play against Russia. The decision was announced about three hours before kickoff. The New Zealand Football Federation stated that their team would not take the field for non-sporting reasons. Previously, New Zealand had lost to Vietnam's futsal team 1-4 in the opening match.

The forfeit caused New Zealand to violate regulations and be penalized with a loss. Many spectators initially thought the score was set at 0-3, but the organizers confirmed that Russia was awarded a 5-0 win. According to Article 28, Paragraph 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the penalty for forfeiting is specified per sport: 11-a-side football is 0-3, futsal is 0-5, and beach soccer is 0-10.

The 5-0 default win gave Russia 5 points after three matches (one win, two draws) and improved their goal difference to +5. This result cost Vietnam control over their own destiny in the title race. In the final match, Thailand only needs to avoid defeat to claim the throne, while Russia must win. Regardless of which team achieves their goal, Vietnam will finish the tournament as runners-up.