Vietnam coach says victory over Philippines not easy

"I cherish today victory, I am satisfied with the team's determination and awareness to comply to disciplines. But I have to admit it was not an easy game for Vietnam," Troussier said in the press conference after Vietnam beat hosts Philippines 2-0.

Coach Philippe Troussier speaks at a press conference after the World Cup qualification game between Vietnam and the Philippines in Rizal Memorial Stadium, Nov. 16, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Hieu Luong

Vietnam had a rough start in their first game under coach Philippe Troussier, partially because of the unfamiliar artificial grass pitch of Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Philippines put pressure on the visitors right from the start. But Nguyen Van Toan's opener in the 16th minute gave Vietnam a confidence boost, although they could not convert many beautiful one-touch plays after that into goals.

In the last extra minute of the game, 19-year-old substitute Nguyen Dinh Bac sealed the 2-0 victory for Vietnam with a great solo effort from outside the box.

According to ScoreBar statistics, Vietnam had seven shots and four shots on goal in the game, while the Philippines had six shots and one on goal. Vietnam also had 57% possession of the ball.

"Considering the number of chances created, Vietnam could have settled the game by scoring the second goal sooner," Troussier said. "But they could not do that. As time passed, they were under pressure and made mistakes in the defense, giving their opponents the opportunities to score."

The French coach said his team were under a lot of pressure in the later part of the second half, as they wanted to score more and at the same time needed to secure their lead.

"We were lucky, because if the Philippines had equalized during that time, we cannot tell what the final result would have been."

Forward Pham Tuan Hai covers his face with regret after missing one of his chances to score in the second half of the World Cup qualifier between Vietnam and the Philippines in Rizal Memorial Stadium, Nov. 16, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Hieu Luong

Thursday's World Cup qualifier is Vietnam's first official game under coach Troussier, after eight months of practice with switching from counter-attacking football to possession play.

After becoming Vietnam head coach in March, Troussier called up a total of 80 players to the national team for training and playing in six friendlies. However, the performances did not meet the expectations of fans.

In June, Vietnam won three exhibition matches against Hong Kong, Syria and Palestine. During the October training period, they were defeated by strong teams like China, Uzbekistan and South Korea. These results had put Troussier under great pressure.

The coach said the win against the Philippines took off some of that pressure. "The victory will help consolidate the team's spirit before the game with Iraq at home on Nov. 21."

 

 

Vietnam coach says victory over Philippines not easy

Philippines 0-2 Việt Nam