Hanoi (VNA) – The Asian Football Confederation(AFC) has commented on Vietnam’s performance when hosting Japan on November 11 inthe final round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
The game saw fans return to My Dinh Stadium for the firsttime in the final of the qualifying round as the home support looked to inspireVietnam to their first points of the campaign.
But it was Japan who were in the ascendancy from the off andtook the lead when Ito Junya opened the scoreboard in the 17th minute. Ito found Vietnam’s net the second time five minutes beforethe interval but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Vietnam gained more possession of the ball in the second halfbut struggled to trouble the Japan backline.
Kyodo news agency reported that playing in front of homesupporters for the first time in the qualifying campaign, Park Hang-seo'sVietnam were aiming for their first points in Group B, but barely troubledJapan keeper Gonda Shuichi.
It continued that Vietnam's shot stopper Bui Tan Truongprevented his side falling further behind late in the contest, blockingattempts from substitute Shibasaki Gaku and Morita Hidemasa.
As it is the fifth consecutive defeat of the team, Vietnamhave 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 finalqualifying round. They are in the same group with Japan, Australia, SaudiArabia, China and Oman./.