JOIN USChhetri opened the scoring for the Bob Houghton-coached side in the 25th minute and doubled India’s advantage with a strike in the 49th minute. Vu Nhu Thanh pulled one back for the visitors in the 62nd minute but Chhetri went on to assert India’s supremacy with a goal in the 72nd minute.
It all started well for India as they attacked their opponent’s citadel with a series of attempts. Chettri made his intentions clear right from the word go and saw his shot going off target in the sixth minute. The Kansas City Wizards striker came close to breaking the deadlock ten minutes later but could only find Vietnam goalkeeper Duong Hong Son.
Vietnam on the other end, were playing the waiting game and failed to make any noteworthy moves on the offence.
Chhetri, however, continued to attack, and found the net in the 25th minute with a brilliant finish. Clifford Miranda provided an inch perfect cross from the left flank for Chhetri to do the rest.
Four minutes after the start of the second half, Chhetri made it 2-0 with a great shot off Anthony Pereira’s cross.
Vietnam fought back and earned a consolation goal in the 62nd minute as Dao Van Phong was brought down by Surkumar Singh inside the box. Defender Vu Nhu Thanh took the penalty and made not mistake to reduce the margin.
Chhetri found his hat-trick in the 72nd minute to seal the win.