Vietnam lost 0-1 to Iraq after a goal in the last minute of injury time. Mohanad Ali headed home the third point for the visitors. After the match, coach Philippe Troussier spoke to the media.
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| The match between Vietnam and Iraq at My Dinh Stadium. (Source: Dan Tri) |
Facing the Iraqi team at My Dinh Stadium on the evening of November 21, the Vietnamese team encountered many difficulties. Throughout the first half, the West Asian representative pressed the field comprehensively, creating many opportunities that forced the Vietnamese team's defense to brace themselves. Fortunately, the Iraqi strikers were all unlucky in finishing.
In the second half, Coach Troussier's team played better and created many interesting situations. However, the Vietnamese team still did not have a single shot on the Iraqi goal.
Under constant pressure from their opponents, the Vietnamese team suffered a loss when captain Que Ngoc Hai was injured and had to leave the field.
In the final minute of injury time, striker Mohanad Ali jumped high to head the ball to score the only goal of the match, bringing victory to Iraq.
In the remaining match of Group F, the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia, Indonesia was held to a 1-1 draw by the Philippines. After two matches, Iraq leads with 6 points, the Vietnamese team ranks second with 3 points; the Philippines and Indonesia each have one point.
Appearing at the press conference after the match, coach Troussier said: "The fact that we conceded a goal in the last minute made me disappointed. Facing a team with strong physique and physical strength like Iraq, I had a reasonable tactical plan.
They have much more technique and class than us. This goal makes me feel sad because the players' efforts did not bring the final result. They played their best, unfortunately things did not go as expected."
However, Coach Troussier's team still deserves praise for their resilient defensive play. The team successfully blocked the Iraqi team (who just beat Indonesia 5-1).
The last-minute goal showed that the Vietnamese team is still inexperienced. That is the lesson that coach Troussier and his players need to learn after this match.
Obviously, Coach Troussier's team has the right to feel regret after this defeat. However, the Vietnamese team has not deviated from the right track.
The next two matches (both against Indonesia) in March 2024 are extremely important for the Vietnamese team.
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