Vietnam team played impressively against Japan, coach Troussier wants to finish second in the group

" The goal of the Vietnamese team has not changed. We want to get at least third place with the best results to qualify for the next round, or second place in the group ," coach Philippe Troussier said at a press conference after the match between the Vietnamese team and the Japanese team.

The French coach said: " In terms of rankings and form between the two teams, the Japanese team is a giant mountain that the Vietnamese team has to face. In the early stages of the match, the Vietnamese team was overwhelmed by the pressure from the opponent, but in the remaining time, the players tried to follow the tactics and tried until the last minute . I am satisfied with my students ."

Vietnam team lost to Japan.

As expected, the Japanese team quickly took the lead over the Vietnamese team from the 11th minute. Takumi Minamino's excellent shot in the penalty area helped the Japanese team gain an advantage. The surprise happened when Nguyen Dinh Bac and Pham Tuan Hai scored 2 consecutive goals to help the Vietnamese team lead 2-1.

However, the Japanese team showed their class to regain the lead. Minamino and Keito Nakamura scored to help the Japanese team lead 3-2 after the first half. In the second half, there was only 1 more goal scored by Ayase Ueda.

Coach Troussier is satisfied with his students.

Mr. Troussier said: " This is only one of three matches that the Vietnamese team will play. No matter which team wins today, no one is sure to go on. We need to put this match in perspective, this is not a knockout match. The Vietnamese team scored 2 goals and did not receive a penalty card. For me, this is better than losing 0-2".

According to the French strategist, he wants the Vietnamese team to focus on defense with a mid-range formation. When the Japanese team plays better, the defense will fall deeper. The Vietnamese team also tries to prevent the opponent from developing the ball from their own half. The players must concentrate and coordinate to make the opponent offside.

In addition, Coach Troussier praised Dinh Bac and Tuan Hai. This striker duo scored goals and contributed a lot to the overall play of the team. Mr. Troussier said that the two strikers had to sacrifice a lot when the Vietnamese team chose a defensive style of play. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Nguyen Filip had an impressive match.

" Nguyen Filip faced a bit of pressure in his first match for the Vietnam national team. After that, he played well with important saves. Nguyen Filip can support the front line to control the ball, and at the same time show the opponent that the Vietnam national team is not in a hurry or afraid of their pressure ," coach Troussier assessed.