Vietnam will have the chance to avenge their humiliating 1-5 defeat to Malaysia at the recent 2017 AFF Futsal Championship, as the draw has placed the two teams into the same group in the finals of the 2018 AFC Championship, scheduled to take place in Chinese Taipei next February.
The draw results for the 2018 AFC Futsal Championship finals. |
The draw ceremony, on December 12, saw Vietnam drawn in Group A, alongside Malaysia, Bahrain and the host, Chinese Taipei.
Japan, one of the futsal powers in Asia, will face Uzbekistan, the Republic of Korea and Tajikistan in Group B, while reigning Asian champions Iran join Iraq, China
In Group D, Thailand will compete against Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon and Jordan, which is considered as an easy group for the defending Southeast Asian champions.
In the 2018 AFC Championship finals, the 16 teams will play in a group-stage round robin tournament to decide the top two teams from each group that will then advance into the quarterfinal round.
At the 2016 competition, Vietnam brilliantly overcame Japan in the quarterfinals after a tense penalty shootout, thereby booking a slot in the semifinal round, as well as securing an official ticket to the 2016 Futsal World Cup.
Source: NDO