Striker Cong Phuong (in red) in action in the match (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam lost 0-1 to Japan the firstquarterfinal match of the ongoing 2019 Asian Footbal Confederation (AFC) AsianCup, which took place at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai of theUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 24.
However, they were still heaped with praises from fans and commentatorsfor a game described as one of their best so far.
The underdogged showed a brave, determined spirit against the giantsJapan throughout the match and conceded only one goal from a 57th-minutepenalty kick, determined with help from the video assistance referee (VAR)technology.
Earlier, at the 24th minute, the technology had its role toplay in the referee’s decision to rule out a goal for Japan although captainMaya Yoshida headed the ball to Vietnam’s net, showing that it had touched hishand.
After conceding the goal from the spot, Vietnam kept fighting and showedno signs of giving up but created various chances against their Japaneserivals.
Vietnam’s head coach Park Hang-seo sent in all of his three substitutesto improve the situation for the side, but the Japanese defenders worked wellto keep their net clean.
At the opposite end of the field, Vietnam’s goalie Van Lam became a heroof the match with many excellent saves that denied many dangerous shots fromJapan.
Vietnam advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament following abreath-taking shootout with Jordan on January 20, while Japan reached the stageafter beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 one day later.-VNA
However, they were still heaped with praises from fans and commentatorsfor a game described as one of their best so far.
The underdogged showed a brave, determined spirit against the giantsJapan throughout the match and conceded only one goal from a 57th-minutepenalty kick, determined with help from the video assistance referee (VAR)technology.
Earlier, at the 24th minute, the technology had its role toplay in the referee’s decision to rule out a goal for Japan although captainMaya Yoshida headed the ball to Vietnam’s net, showing that it had touched hishand.
After conceding the goal from the spot, Vietnam kept fighting and showedno signs of giving up but created various chances against their Japaneserivals.
Vietnam’s head coach Park Hang-seo sent in all of his three substitutesto improve the situation for the side, but the Japanese defenders worked wellto keep their net clean.
At the opposite end of the field, Vietnam’s goalie Van Lam became a heroof the match with many excellent saves that denied many dangerous shots fromJapan.
Vietnam advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament following abreath-taking shootout with Jordan on January 20, while Japan reached the stageafter beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 one day later.-VNA
VNA
