Hanoi(VNA) – The encounter between Vietnam and Japan, the first Asian FootballConfederation (AFC) Cup 2019 quarter-final in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) onJanuary 24 night, has made international headlines.
Iran’s Varzeshi newspaper said Park Hang-seo, head coach of Vietnam’s nationalfootball team, has shown his resolve and confidence after Vietnam gained aberth in the round.
The newspaper also lauded the performance of Vietnamese players in the pastmatches, 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 withJordan.
Both Varzeshi and the Washington Post of the US commented on the solid defenceof Japan, who, the Post said, are expected to defeat Vietnam in the upcomingmatch.
Pojoksatu newspaper of Indonesia also mentioned Japan as favourites to advance afterreviewing their achievements in previous Asian Cups and their performances thisyear.
Vietnam advanced to the quarter-finalsof the tournament after a breath-taking shootout with Jordan on January 20 inthe UAE.
Vietnamese fans are heading to the UAE to support the national football team. In the knockout match withJordan, about 2,000 Vietnamese fans living and working in Dubai cheered on the GoldenDragons.
Japan reached the quarter-finals after beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 onJanuary 21 with a header from defender Takehiro Toniyasu in the 20thminute.-VNA
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