Nguyen Cong Phuong (in red) and a Japanese player vie for the ball (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has commented on Vietnam’s performance when hosting Japan on November 11 in the final round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
The game saw fans return to My Dinh Stadium for the first time in the final of the qualifying round as the home support looked to inspire Vietnam to their first points of the campaign.
But it was Japan who were in the ascendancy from the off and took the lead when Ito Junya opened the scoreboard in the 17th minute. Ito found Vietnam’s net the second time five minutes before the interval but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Vietnam gained more possession of the ball in the second half but struggled to trouble the Japan backline.
During the match (Photo: VNA) Kyodo news agency reported that playing in front of home supporters for the first time in the qualifying campaign, Park Hang-seo's Vietnam were aiming for their first points in Group B, but barely troubled Japan keeper Gonda Shuichi.
It continued that Vietnam's shot stopper Bui Tan Truong prevented his side falling further behind late in the contest, blocking attempts from substitute Shibasaki Gaku and Morita Hidemasa.
As it is the fifth consecutive defeat of the team, Vietnam have yet to collect any points and stand at the bottom of Group B.
They are to host group leaders Saudi Arabia on November 16.
This is the first time that Vietnam has played in the final qualifying round. They are in the same group with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China and Oman./.
