U23 Vietnam footballers after their historic victory (Photo: tuoitre.vn) Hanoi (VNA) – “The victory is a pride of Vietnamese sports,” PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc wrote in a letter to the U23 team, who just made itto the last-four round of the Asian Football Confederation U23 Championship.
The teambeat Iraq 5-3 in the penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw on January 20 inChangsu, China. Vietnam, the only ASEAN country in the continental tournament’slast-four round, will next play Qatar on January 23.
On behalf ofthe Government, PM Phuc sent the warmest congratulations to the team and itscoach Park Hang-Seo.
The leadersaid he expects they will continue their excellent performance, solidarity, anddisciplines that have been proved in the semi-final match.
At a pressconference after the game, coach Park Hang-Seo said the victory is for allVietnamese fans.
He said thewinning did not surprise him much as he always has faith in his team. He notedthere is no concrete forecast of another miracle win but Vietnamese footballersare sure to do their best.
On January20 evening right after the match, streets in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho,and other localities nationwide were crowded with thousands of football lovers celebratingthe win together with the national flag. The victory was said to lit up faithin local fans.-VNA
VNA
