Vietnamese players will face Iraq in the last Group D's match on January 24. (Photo courtesy of VFF) Vietnam suffered unexpected 0-1 loss toIndonesia on January 19 and were ousted from the continental tournament.
VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu and GeneralSecretary Duong Nghiep Khoi came to reassure the team that the nationalfootball governing body was by their side and they would continue receive bestconditions to reach future targets.
The VFF officials also encouraged the players tohave a better match against Iraq in the Asian Cup before keeping eyes on the2026 World Cup qualification where they would play Indonesia twice inMarch.
Coach Philippe Troussier and his squad wereback training on January 20 after the whole team identified a key area toimprove for the upcoming events, especially the World Cup and next AFCAsian Cup in 2027.
“My first feeling is one of disappointmentbecause we lost the match," said Troussier who however praisedplayers' spirit and performance in the second half and said his sidedeserved to get a goal.
“We conceded a penalty before half time and itput us in trouble. But I liked the reaction of my players. I’m surprised how weplayed and how we tried.
“First weak point is the physical aspect. As weshowed in this tournament, we can only play high intensity for 60 minutes. It’sclear we have to improve this aspect because in my system, the players have torun nine-10km every match.”
The Frenchman said his team would try hard tohave best result before they end the Asian Cup campaign.
Forward Pham Tuan Hai said: "We all worked hard in that matchbut the result was unexpected. We are training hard to be better every day andadapt to coach Troussier's playing style.
"I hope that Vietnamese fans will trust us and support us inour journey because we are on the way to get closer to the continentallevel. Let's accompany each other and strive together."
Earlier defender Bui Hoang Viet Anh and midfielder Nguyen TuanAnh expressed their own opinions about the match. They regretted that Vietnamplayed without some experienced members because of injuries. Meanwhile theyappreciated remarkable progress of Indonesia especially after theynaturalised several players.
Indonesia's win showed that football was constantly moving forwardand the Vietnamese team needed to work harder.
“Supporters should believe in us. Vietnam team will change for astronger and better performance”, said Viet Anh.
Tuan Anh added that the team still needed more time to be fluentwith Troussier's plans./.
VNA
