Australia defeated Vietnam on penalties in a thrilling game to win the second Melbourne Asian Cup at Etihad Stadium on Saturday December 13.
The game was played at a fast pace with neither side able to score in regulation time which ended in a 0-0 draw.Â
Cheered on by a big crowd of Melbourne Victory fans, both teams traded penalties with Australia eventually winning 5-4.
The final was played as a curtain raiser ahead of Melbourne Victory’s clash with Sydney FC which ended in a 3-3 draw.
This fixture was part of the Clubs annual U-NITE fixture which celebrates multiculturalism, cultural diversity and bringing Melbourne’s diverse communities together through football.
The Melbourne Asian Cup was organised by the Melbourne Chinese Soccer Association with support from the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Melbourne Victory FC, Football Federation Victoria (FFV),  Local Organising Committee of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 and Red Elephant Projects.
Ken Lam, President of the Melbourne Chinese Soccer Association said “Congratulations to Australia for their first win in our tournament and commiserations to Vietnam who played outstanding football.”
“Thanks to Melbourne Victory, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Football Federation Victoria and the AFC Asian Cup 2015 for your fantastic support in making this event a success.”Â
Melbourne Victory CEO Ian Robson, said: “The Melbourne Asian Cup has achieved its objective in bringing communities together through football,”
“Congratulations to Australia and Vietnam and thanks to the Melbourne Chinese Football Association for hosting another great tournament which is getting better every year.”
Michael Brown, CEO of the Local Organising Committee of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 said “Well done to Australia for winning and to Vietnam for their brave effort as runner up,”
“This event has been a highlight in our event calendar both in showcasing the diversity of Melbourne and spreading the word about the AFC Asian Cup 2015.”
MVP Award
Oghanna, Christopher (Iraq) – 11 votes
Golden Boot
Konjol,  Arnold (Indonesia) – 13 goals
