Vietnamese players celebrate Nguyen Cong Phuong's goal in the semifinal second leg of the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup against the Philippines (Photo: VNA)

Fox Sports Asia said that although guaranteed advancement to the final as long as they didn’t concede more than two away goals, Vietnam still found a way past the resolute Philippines defence late in the game.

South Korea’s Sports Seoul magazine said that although Vietnam had less time of possession during the match, coach Park Hang-seo’s team had the game under control. When the Philippine players showed signs of physical weakening, the team in red stepped up their attacks and scored two goals in the match’s last 10 minutes. Sport Talk Korea said Vietnam intimidated their rivals with their individual skills.

The first leg of the final between Vietnam and Malaysia will be played next Tuesday in Malaysia. The return leg will be held four days later in Hanoi.