Vietnam lose 2 - 4 to Japan at AFC Asian Cup opener

Nguyen Dinh Bac (No 15) and other players of Vietnam celebrate the leveling goal in the first half of the game against Japan. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 

Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese men’s nationalfootball team lost 2 - 4 to Japan in their 2023 AFC Asian Cup opener on January14, but the two goals against Asia’s No. 1 team were still considered beyondexpectations.

After Japan scored the opening goal in the 12th minute, Nguyen Dinh Bac headed backwards into Japan’s net to equalise forVietnam four minutes later.

Vietnam went in front in the 33rd minute, courtesy of Pham Tuan Hai,who tapped in the rebounded shot from a corner.

However, Japan continually scored two more goals after thatto conclude the first half in 3 - 2.

The Vietnamese team in their 2023 AFC Asian Cup opener on January 14. (Photo: VNA)

In the second half, Vietnamese players showed confidence butstill failed to keep their net safe from the stronger rivals, who found theirfourth goal in the 85th minute.

The two goals for Vietnamwere said to be beyond expectations, and the low-deficit defeat was acceptableand still a successful start for the team at the continent’sbiggest football tournament in Qatar.

In Group D, after the game against Japan at AlThumama Stadium, Vietnam will face Indonesia on January 19 and then Iraq onJanuary 24./.

VNA