Qatar Midfielder Do Hung Dung affirmed that Vietnam tried to at least maintain a one-goal deficit after the first half but failed, in the opening match against Japan at the 2023 Asian Cup.
"We prepared carefully, even using our own tactics for Japan," Hung Dung said after the match at Al Thumama Stadium on the evening of January 14. "The result was not as 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 by Takumi Minamino. But then, the team surprisingly equalized and took the lead 2-1 thanks to two set pieces. First was a header from Nguyen Dinh Bac in the 16th minute and then a rebound into an empty net by Pham Tuan Hai in the 33rd minute. However, under pressure from the number one team in Asia, coach Philippe Troussier's team conceded two consecutive goals from the 45th minute to the third minute of injury time and fell behind 2-3 after the first half.
Do Hung Dung captained Vietnam against Japan in the opening match of Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup. Photo: Lam Thoa.
In the second half, Vietnam held firm until the 85th minute when they conceded a goal after a shot from substitute Ayase Ueda. "I expected a 2-3 loss to be a good result, but the opponent was too strong," said Hung Dung. "This score is not satisfactory, but we have to accept it."
With this result, Japan extended their winning streak to 11, while Vietnam lost their second consecutive match after a 0-1 defeat to Iraq in the second round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers - Asia. This was also Vietnam's fifth defeat in six matches against Japan, the other match being a 1-1 draw in the final match of the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Main developments of the match Vietnam 2-4 Japan.
The defeat was expected, but Vietnam's performance against the world's best team was highly appreciated. 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 much to the strongest team in Group D will also help Vietnam gain more confidence to compete for goal difference.
On January 19, Vietnam will face Indonesia with the advantage of one more day off. Hung Dung affirmed that this is a direct opponent and a key match for the chance to enter the knockout round. "I believe that Vietnam will get the best result," he shared.
Hieu Luong
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