Vietnam’s U23 team shakes international media

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam’s U23 team is shaking the media in Asia in particular and the world in general as the team beat Qatar to enter the final of the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U23 Championship in Changzhou, China.

On its homepage, the AFC ran an article entitled “Vietnam through final after another thriller” with the image of Vietnamese player Quang Hai who scored two goals for Vietnam in the semi-final against Qatar.

The article wrote: “Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung’s two penalty saves sensationally earned Vietnam a place in the AFC U23 Championship final on January 23 as the Southeast Asian nation beat Qatar in a penalty shootout after an extraordinary 2-2 draw at the end of extra-time.”

“Tien Dung stopped efforts from Qatari duo Ahmad Moein and Sultan Al Brake to seal the victory, one which continues Vietnam’s incredible journey in the competition under the wily guidance of head coach Park Hang-seo, and now sets up a title showdown against either Korea Republic or Uzbekistan on Saturday.”

“While the victory moves Vietnam, incredibly, a step nearer to the title, it sees Qatar fall at the semi-final stage for the second successive competition following their fourth-place finish at the tournament’s last edition in 2016,”
it wrote.

Fox Sports also had an article entitled “AFC U-23 Championship: Vietnam march on into final”, commending Vietnam’s victory over Qatar.

“Vietnam are remarkably through to the final of the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship after beating Qatar on penalties following a 2-2 draw in Tuesday’s semi-final at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Centre.”

Meanwhile, Goal.com also wrote about Vietnam’s victory in its article under the title “Indomitable Vietnam set AFC U23 final date thanks to Quang Hai’s double.”

“Vietnam are through to the AFC U-23 Championship final after defeating Qatar 4-3 on penalties, despite having trailed twice in their semi-final match,” it wrote.

Cambodia’s press also praised Vietnam’s win over Qatar to enter the final of the regional championship.

Talking to reporters, coach Park Hang-seo said: “Before the championship begins, I said that U23 Vietnam is a special team and they are special in terms of competing spirit. My 23 players are fighters. I told fans that they would not be disappointed and we kept our promise.”

Vietnam became the first team to win a place in the AFC U23 Championship final.

It will play against either former champion the Republic of Korea or Uzbekistan who were playing in a later semi-final match.-VNA