Vietnam lost 2-3 to Iraq in their first match of Group D in the AFC Asian Cup 2019, which took place in Zayed Sport City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on January 8. Under pressure of Vietnam’s attacks, Iraqi defender Ali Faez Atia scored an own goal, opening the score for Vietnam. Cong Phuong restored the lead for the Southeast Asian team in the 42nd with a tap-in after a rebound from Trong Hoang's right-winged shot. The first half ended after three added minutes with Vietnam leading 2-1. However, Iraq equalized the score in the 35th, 60th and 90th minute. The match ended 3-2 in favour of Iraq. Vietnam is pooled with Iran, Iraq and Yemen in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup 2019. Vietnam suffered a 0-2 defeat to Iran, which was seen as the strongest team in Group D, in their second encounter at the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE on January 12. The first half ended after one extra minute, with a goal scored by forward Sardar Azmoun of Iran in the 37th minute. In … [Read more...] about Relive Vietnamese team’s historic journey at AFC Asian Cup 2019
Afc asian cup 2019 qualifiers
Asian Cup 2019: Iranian newspaper names three outstanding Vietnamese players
Centre-back Que Ngoc Hai and two other players at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Ahead of the Vietnamese football team’s important match at the Asian Cup 2019 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 12, Iran’s Varzeshi newspaper pointed out three outstanding Vietnamese names that Iranian players should watch out for. They are midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, centre-back Que Ngoc Hai, and goalkeeper Dang Van Lam. The newspaper described Nguyen Quang Hai as Vietnam’s most important player, noting that he won the best player award at the AFF Cup 2018 – of which Vietnam were the champions. The 21-year-old player also exhibited an outstanding performance at the final round of the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship, the newspaper said. Quang Hai is usually placed in attack but can also retreat to the centre midfield position. He has shown his ability to score in a number of Vietnam’s matches in the past and he is ready to shine in the … [Read more...] about Asian Cup 2019: Iranian newspaper names three outstanding Vietnamese players
Asian Cup 2019: Vietnam preparing a surprise for Iraq
Vietnamese players in a training session in Abu Dhabi on January 6 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese footballers are actively training in preparation for the match against Iraq on January 8, their first game at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Talking to the press before the training session on January 6, midfielder Nguyen Van Toan said the whole squad is eager for the match, saying he hopes that they will have a good game and meet expectations. He added that although Iraq is a strong team in Asia, Vietnamese players are still confident and looking forward to a successful match. As this is the leading tournament of Asia, the team respects all of the rivals. Additionally, the players have a clear viewpoint that they must not be complacent about their achievements over the past year, but stay focused to get ready for the Asian Cup. The midfielder hoped that the Asian Cup 2019 will be a successful tourney for himself as well as the whole Vietnamese … [Read more...] about Asian Cup 2019: Vietnam preparing a surprise for Iraq
Vietnam aim to qualify for knockout stages at Asian Cup 2019: Park Hang-Seo
Coach Park Hang-Seo (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The first goal of Vietnam – the AFF Suzuki Cup champions - is to qualify for the knockout stages at the AFC Asian Cup 2019, coach Park Hang-Seo said in a recent interview to Tasnim News Agency of Iran. Vietnam are pooled with Iran, Iraq and Yemen in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup which will begin in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 5. The Golden Dragons will open their campaign against Iraq on January 8. Vietnam will face Asian heavyweights Iran on January 12 before wrapping up their group stage commitments with a match against Asian Cup debutants Yemen on January 16. “After winning the AFF Suzuki Cup, the fans’ expectations are high at the Asian Cup. The first goal of the Vietnamese team is to qualify for the next round,” the Korean tactician said. “To advance to the Round of 16, you have to earn at least four points. It’s very difficult to beat Iran but we will progress if we … [Read more...] about Vietnam aim to qualify for knockout stages at Asian Cup 2019: Park Hang-Seo
Vietnam forecast to cause surprise at Asian Cup 2019
>>> Asian Cup: Vietnam team to face three Western Asian rivals in “group of death” Recently, the prestigious sports network FOX Sports Asia ran an article to review the Vietnamese team and their journey at the upcoming Asian Cup, saying that the "Golden Dragons" could completely surpass Group D, which consists of two strong opponents, Iran and Iraq, and even win one of the top two positions in the group to qualify automatically for the last 16 with a top-two finish in their group. Having only participated in the first Asian Cup finals in 2007 (as co-hosts), Vietnam are in a rather tough group in the 2019 tournament, as they have to compete for a ticket to progress against Iran, Iraq and Yemen. However, according to FOX Sports Asia, with the current squad and impressive performance in the past year, coach Park Hang-seo’s side could open the opportunity to reach the Round of 16 as one of the four-best third-placed teams, according to the new format of the … [Read more...] about Vietnam forecast to cause surprise at Asian Cup 2019