Son Heung-min played a part in both goals as South Korea beat China. (Khaled DESOUKI/AFP) Iran, joint favourites with the Koreans, also advanced as group winners despite being held to a goalless draw by bitter rivals Iraq, while Kyrgyzstan squeaked through on their tournament debut. Hwang Ui-jo and Kim Min-jae were on target as the Koreans, boosted by the arrival of their talisman, ran China ragged in Abu Dhabi. Son won the penalty converted by Hwang and fizzed in the assist for Kim to spark South Korea, who finished top of Group C with a perfect nine points as they look to end 59 years of Asian Cup hurt. "Of course I'm a bit tired - I didn't expect to play for so long," Korean captain Son told AFP after completing 87 minutes despite a punishing run of 13 games for Tottenham since the start of December. "But it's an honour to wear this red shirt and play for the national team. My first game of the tournament, clean sheet, 2-0 - it's a happy afternoon!" Marcello Lippi's Chinese side … [Read more...] about Son sparks Koreans to Asian Cup win as Iran fire blanks
Asian cup results
What opportunities await Vietnam at 2019 Asian Cup?
>>> A strategic vision needed for Vietnamese sports >>> Vietnam draw with DPRK 1-1 in int’l friendly The Asian Football Federation (AFC) has just announced the final list of 23 players submitted by the 24 teams to compete in the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE early next year. Accordingly, teams are allowed to replace their players from the final list of 23 up to six hours before their first match, but overall, they are almost the official squads that the national teams across the continent will bring to the 2019 Asian Cup. According to the current list registered with the organisers, Vietnam have the youngest average age at only 23. Notably, in the squad of 23 Vietnamese players, there are 16 names from the U23 age group. In particular, the youngest player is defender Doan Van Hau (19). The Thai Binh native is also the third youngest player in the 2019 Asian Cup, behind Mohammed Al-Huthaifi of Yemen and Iraqi striker Mohanad Ali (both born in 2000). In the current … [Read more...] about What opportunities await Vietnam at 2019 Asian Cup?
All square as Vietnam draw against DPRK ahead of Asian Cup
The Vietnamese team (wearing white) played the DPRK in Hanoi on December 25. The match was the final warm-up game for the Vietnamese squad before the Asian Cup kicks off next month. The host team dominated the game in the early stages. Cong Phuong and his teammates stretched the DPRK team’s defense. After the first 25 minutes, the DPRK began to attack, putting the Vietnamese backline under pressure. Both team has opportunities but failed to score a goal. The first half ended goalless. In the second half, head coach Park Hang Seo made substitutions. In the 54th minute, Cong Phuong played in Tien Linh who broke the offside trap and sent a shot past goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk, making it 1-0 to Vietnam. The first goal allowed the Vietnamese team to compete with confidence, they continue to create chances but couldn’t finish them. In the last minutes of the game, the DPRK pushed forward, seeking a goal. They kept goalie Bui Tien Dung busy. The No.11 player of the DPRK … [Read more...] about All square as Vietnam draw against DPRK ahead of Asian Cup
Vietnam tie DPRK 1-1 in friendly ahead of Asian Cup
Vietnamese captain Luong Xuan Truong (in white) at the match (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam was unable to secure victory despite a 1-0 lead in a friendly against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Hanoi on December 25. The match was considered a final test for the Vietnamese squad before the upcoming Asian Cup next month. Coach Park Hang-seo made some changes to his tactics compared to his way at the AFF Suzuki Cup that Vietnam were the champions. Among the AFF 2018 line-up, he kept only Doan Van Hau. Many new players were tested such as goalkeeper Tuan Manh, defender Thanh Chung, midfielder Minh Vuong, and strikers Ngan Van Dai and Tien Linh. At the 24th minute, captain Jong Il Gwan from the DPRK shot the ball into Vietnam’s net, but the referee flagged for offside. Vietnamese players had more opportunities but failed to score a goal. The first half ended with no goals. Some minutes into the … [Read more...] about Vietnam tie DPRK 1-1 in friendly ahead of Asian Cup
International friendly Vietnam vs DPR Korea: Worthwhile test for Asian Cup 2019
>>> Park summons 27 players for 2019 Asian Cup campaign >>> Can't underestimate Vietnam at Asian Cup 2019: FOX Sports Asia After being crowned champions at the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup earlier this month, coach Park Hang-seo's side immediately started preparing for the biggest continental football tournament that will start in UAE on January 5 next year. The Vietnam national team gathered on December 20 and said goodbye to Korean physical coach Bae Ji-won and three players, including Van Quyet, Anh Duc and Dinh Trong. Manager Park instead decided to give opportunities to seven young players as part of the 27-member squad in preparation for the Asian Cup. The friendly match against the DPRK at Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium tomorrow evening is one of two international friendly matches of the hosts before the continental tournament. After the match, the Vietnamese players will “reunite" with the Philippines team in Qatar on December 31, before starting their 2019 Asian … [Read more...] about International friendly Vietnam vs DPR Korea: Worthwhile test for Asian Cup 2019