OFFICIAL: Vietnam Team Wins an Honor at the 'Mini World Cup'

Despite coming in second place at the Continental Championship Friendly Tournament – Thailand, the Vietnamese futsal team received the additional Fair Play award.

The Vietnamese futsal team concluded the 2026 Continental Championship Friendly Tournament in Thailand as the runners-up,while also earning the Fair Play award for their unbeaten run. Coach Diego Raul Giustozzi's squad collected 8 points, equal to champions Russia, but finished behind due to an inferior goal difference. This result reflects their progress in composure, tactical organization, and adaptability against strong opponents.

Across four matches, Vietnam drew 2-2 with Russia, defeated New Zealand 4-1, beat Afghanistan 2-1, and held Thailand to a 3-3 draw. Most notably, they staged a comeback against the host nation in the final match. After trailing 0-3 at halftime, the Vietnamese players became more aggressive, effectively executed the power-play tactic, scored three consecutive goals, and secured a crucial point.

The 3-3 draw brought Vietnam's total points to 8, but the championship depended on the clash between Thailand and Russia on August 6. Before kickoff, the hosts needed only a draw to claim the title, while Russia had to win. That pressure made the match high-tempo from the start, but the visitors quickly showed superior initiative and efficiency.

Just two minutes in, Mikhail Moskhalev opened the scoring for Russia before completing his brace in the 15th minute. Panut pulled one back for Thailand in the 17th minute, making it 1-2, but this goal did not change the hosts' fate. Under constant pressure, Thailand's defense gradually lost control and allowed the opponents to extend their lead.

Ponkranov scored twice in the 19th and 28th minutes, while Antoshkin found the net in the 22nd minute, putting Russia ahead 5-1. In the final ten minutes, Thailand used the power-play to search for goals but failed. The gaps behind were fully exploited by Russia, who added two more goals in the 38th and 39th minutes, sealing a 7-1 victory.

With this result, Russia won the title with 8 points and a +11 goal difference, while Vietnam finished second with the same points but a +4 goal difference. Thailand ranked third with 7 points. Despite missing the chance to be crowned champions, the runner-up finish, unbeaten streak, and Fair Play award serve as an encouraging warm-up for the Vietnamese futsal team ahead of important upcoming goals.