Do Hung Dung: 'Losing 2-3 would have been better'

Qatar midfielder Do Hung Dung affirmed that Vietnam tried to at least maintain their one-goal deficit after the first half but failed in their opening match against Japan at the 2023 Asian Cup.

"We prepared thoroughly, even employing a specific strategy against Japan," Hung Dung said after the match at Al Thumama Stadium on January 14th. "The result wasn't what we expected, but the team proved that there were times when we played well."

In this match, Vietnam conceded a goal in the 11th minute after a rebound shot by Takumi Minamino. However, the team unexpectedly equalized and then took a 2-1 lead thanks to two set pieces. First, a backward header in the 16th minute by Nguyen Dinh Bac, and then a rebound into an empty net in the 33rd minute by Pham Tuan Hai. Nevertheless, under pressure from Asia's top team, Philippe Troussier's side conceded two more goals between the 45th minute and the third minute of added time, falling behind 2-3 after the first half.

Do Hung Dung captained Vietnam against Japan in their opening match of Group D at the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: Lam Thoa — Do Hung Dung captained Vietnam against Japan in their opening match of Group D at the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: *Lam Thoa.*

In the second half, Vietnam held firm until the 85th minute when they conceded a goal from substitute Ayase Ueda. "I was hoping for a 2-3 defeat, but the opponent was too strong," Hung Dung said. "This score isn't ideal, but we have to accept it."

With this result, Japan extended their winning streak to 11 matches, while Vietnam suffered their second consecutive defeat after a 0-1 loss to Iraq in the second round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers - Asian region. This was also Vietnam's fifth defeat in six encounters with Japan, the other being a 1-1 draw in the final match of the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Key events of the Vietnam 2-4 Japan match.

The defeat was predictable, but Vietnam's performance against the world's top-performing team was highly praised. Hung Dung wants his teammates to try to maintain good spirits for the next two matches against Indonesia and Iraq. He also believes that not losing too heavily to the strongest team in Group D will give Vietnam more confidence to compete on goal difference.

On January 19th, Vietnam will face Indonesia with the advantage of an extra day of rest. Hung Dung affirmed that this is a direct opponent and a crucial match for a chance to advance to the knockout round. "I believe that Vietnam will achieve the best possible result," he shared.

Hieu Luong

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