Cai Van Quy dribbles past the Russian goalkeeper to score a goal in Vietnam's 2-0 win in the first match of the international tournament in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. — Photo baodongnai.com.vn

Substitute Cai Van Quy stole the ball from Russian players twice to score both goals for the hosts in the second half.

The visitors said their fatigue after flying 28 hours from Russia was in part to blame for the loss. Their players are also one year younger than the Vietnamese side.

In the other match, South Korea trounced Myanmar 6-1 to sit atop the ranking.

In the next fixture on August 28, South Korea will play third-placed Russia and Vietnam will meet last-placed Myanmar.

The four-side friendly tournament, the Acecook Cup, is held at the Ba Ria City Stadium in a round-robin format. The team with the most points will be crowned champions. The tournament is supported by the Union of European Football Associations towards youth football in 2019.

VNS