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Vietnam players celebrate Pham Tuan Hai's goal that gave Vietnam a lead against Japan in the opening match of group D in Asian Cup on Jan. 14, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa |
Sports channel ESPN headlined: "Japan survive scare in Asian Cup opener but valiant defeat bodes well for Vietnam."
After letting Takumi Minamino open the scoring in the 11th minute, Vietnam equalized five minutes later with Nguyen Dinh Bac's header, before Pham Tuan Hai scored from a tap-in after Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki couldn't have a clean save of Bui Hoang Viet Anh's header in the 33rd minute.
However, Japan quickly proved their class with two great goals in three minutes by Minamino and Keito Nakamura to take back the lead before the break.
Despite dominating Vietnam in the second half, Japan only scored once more to seal the 4-2 win with Ayase Ueda’s goal.
ESPN said two conceded goals against Vietnam are a lesson for Japan to adjust for the remaining two matches in group D, against Iraq on Jan. 19 and Indonesia on the 24th. Meanwhile, Vietnam can be optimistic as they have a group of talented young players to replace the "golden generation" under the previous coach Park Hang-seo, it said, adding that the performance against Japan will give Vietnam more confidence before the crucial match against Southeast Asian rival Indonesia on Jan. 19.
South Korean newspaper Osen commented that Vietnam surprised with two goals scored against Japan, even though they couldn't claim a miraculous victory.
"Vietnam showed potential against the 17th team on world ranking," Osen wrote.
Siam Sport gave big praise to coach Philippe Troussier and Vietnam, saying the moment that Hai scored to help Vietnam lead 2-1 "shook Asia."
The Thai newspaper highly appreciated Vietnam's performance using a lineup with little international experience after many key players were absent due to injury.
If it were not for Keito Nakamura's amazing goal in the third minute of injury time in the first half, the surprise could have continued, it added.
"Vietnam have been upgraded to a team with class," Siam Sport continued. "Many Thai fans also appreciate it and think their team should learn from coach Philippe Troussier's tactics."
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Takumi Minamino (number 8) celebrates a goal for Japan in the Asian Cup group stage with Vietnam on Jan. 14, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa |
Reuters commented that Vietnam helped the match become "dramatic".
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said that Japan had a tough win and Nakamura's goal shut down Vietnam’s resistance.
Japanese newspaper JiJi kept it short and simple: "Japan completed the comeback without haste. They calmly turned the situation around and even making substitutions in the second half, they were still in control."
Japan's Soccer Digest said their home team faced another difficult opening match, like the 3-2 win over Turkmenistan in the 2019 Asian Cup. However, the difference is that Japan missed some key players but still showed an immense attacking power.
"The team faced difficulties in the first match," the newspaper said. "But they also showed the depth of their squad and the improvement in their playing style with the ambition to become a top team in the world."
This is Japan's 11th consecutive victory with 49 goals scored. An article on Chinese news website Sohu saw this as proof of Japan’s "destructive power."
"Vietnam caused difficulties for Japan, but only for a while in 90 minutes. Even when behind on the scoreboard, Japan still pushed forward and attacked without panic. After leading 3- 2, they didn’t give their opponents any chance to make another comeback," the article wrote.
Asian Cup highlights: Japan 4-2 Vietnam
