Vietnam finished second in the AFC U23 final against Uzbekistan after the latter scored in the last minute of extra time, brining the score to 1-2. In addition to silver medals, the Vietnamese team also received the Fair Play Award for its performance throughout the competition, which took place in China. It is the first time a Vietnamese national team has made it this far in a continental championship, attracting attention from global football fans. In snowy conditions at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Center, it was Uzbek defender Rustamjon Ashurmatov who scored first with a header in the 8th minute. More than half an hour later, Vietnam’s midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai equalized with a free kick. It was his fifth goal at the game, making him one of the top scorers at the Asian championship. The match remained goalless during the second half, forcing the teams to play extra time. In the 120th minute, Uzbekistan’s striker Andrey Sidorov scored their second goal, making the team champions of the 2018 U23 Asian Cup. Sidorov replaced Javokhir Sidikov in the 118th minute of the match. “We were so close,” Quang Hai said looking sad after the match. “We could have played better but we failed.” “We have no words to thank the fans. They’ve been beyond marvelous. We got this far thanks to the fans who have always stood by our side,” Quang Hai added. After losing, Vietnam’s Korean coach Park Hang-seo was seen surrounded by his players shouting “Why do we have… [Read full story]
Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam surprised football fans when he was spotted among huge crowds celebrating the national team's dramatic victory over Qatar in the semifinal of the Asian Football Confederation Under-23 (AFC U23) Championship on Tuesday night. Like every other Vietnamese fan present around Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Hanoi, deputy PM Dam was driving around the lake sporting a red t-shirt with two mini Vietnamese flags attached to his motorbike as the crowd cheered. Dancing and selfies with the crowd followed as many recognized the deputy PM. Vietnam's deputy PM joined the crowd in the celebrations. Photo via VnExpress…... [read more]
Vietnam tie Syria at Asian Cup second leg By Vu Duc - The Saigon Times Daily HCMC - Vietnam's hopes of qualifying for the 2011 Asian Cup have almost evaporated as they drew goalless with Syria in the second leg at Syria's Aleppo International Stadium on Wednesday. Backed by the enthusiastic support of local spectators, Syria players began the match in high spirits and were confident from the beginning. Moreover, the home side enjoyed their advantage before the game as they defeated Vietnam 1-0 in the first leg at Hanoi's My Dinh Stadium. The Vietnamese side began the game with…... [read more]
Vietnam's 4-3 win over Qatar in AFC U23 semifinal marks a new episode in Vietnam's football history. History has been made as Vietnam earned a ticket to the finals of the AFC U23 Championship on Tuesday thanks to a dramatic victory over Qatar. With the 4-3 penalty shootout in favor of Vietnam after the 2-2 draw, the country's U23 football team once again surprised Asian football fans, becoming the first Southeast Asian country to enter the final of the championship. Before the match, Vietnam's coach Park Hang-seo stayed hopeful but also cautious, knowing that Qatar was widely seen as a stronger team. “Though we are…... [read more]
Coach Park Hang Seo has led Vietnam to secure a berth at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in his debut with the team this week, but the South Korean did not have time to delight in his mission accomplished.Park, who was appointed the Vietnam coach in October, has in fact been criticized for his lackluster leadership in the first official game with the team, a goalless draw against Afghanistan on home soil in the 2019 Asian Cup qualifying game on Tuesday.Vietnam have booked a place in the finals, to take place in the United Arab Emirates in January-February 2019, one…... [read more]
Vietnam face huge taskat Asian Cup after Syria defeat By Vu Duc - The Saigon Times Daily HCMC - Vietnam face a difficult task in the 2010 Asian Cup qualifying round after losing 0-1 to Syria in the first leg at Hanoi's My Dinh Stadium on Saturday. Backed by the enthusiastic support of nearly 30,000 spectators, Vietnamese players began in high spirits and were confident from the beginning. The Vietnamese side began the game with their strongest lineup and with attacks from both wings with four midfielders, Nguyen Minh Phuong, Le Tan Tai, Nguyen Vu Phong and Trinh Duy Quang,…... [read more]
