The encounter between Vietnam and Japan, the first Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup 2019 quarter-final, will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 24 night. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The encounter between Vietnam and Japan, the first Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup 2019 quarter-final in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 24 night, has made international headlines.
Iran’s Varzeshi newspaper said Park Hang-seo, head coach of Vietnam’s national football team, has shown his resolve and confidence after Vietnam gained a berth in the round.
The newspaper also lauded the performance of Vietnamese players in the past matches, especially their 2-0 win over Yemen in the last match of Group D, saying they also surprised football fans during the breath-taking shootout with Jordan.
Both Varzeshi and the Washington Post of the US commented on the solid defence of Japan, who, the Post said, are expected to defeat Vietnam in the upcoming match.
Pojoksatu newspaper of Indonesia also mentioned Japan as favourites to advance after reviewing their achievements in previous Asian Cups and their performances this year.
Vietnam advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament after a breath-taking shootout with Jordan on January 20 in the UAE.
Vietnamese fans are heading to the UAE to support the national football team. In the knockout match with Jordan, about 2,000 Vietnamese fans living and working in Dubai cheered on the Golden Dragons.
Japan reached the quarter-finals after beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 on January 21 with a header from defender Takehiro Toniyasu in the 20th minute.-VNA
VNA
