AFC Asian Cup: Vietnam will take chances against Iran

Vietnam will play against Iran today in their second match of AFC Asian Cup 2019, having lost the first one against Iraq 2-3 in the last minute.

Even though Iran is an even stronger team and a contender for the trophy, coach Park Hang-seo said Vietnam will make the most out of the opportunities they get.

"Clearly, Iran is more experienced than Vietnam. They are also powerful in terms of physical strength and skills. Honestly, this game is going to be very tough for Vietnam. But Vietnam will take any chance, even if there’s only one," Park said, adding that the team will go all out in this match.

Head coach Park in pre-match interview on Friday. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Khoa

"Good thing is there are no injured players. We have left the defeat with Iraq behind to focus on the next game. It’ll be difficult, but the team will try their best. Being the weaker team make the players more determined (to do well)," he said.

Star midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai also stayed positive ahead of the clash.

"We will play with high concentration and maximum effort to get the best result. I am very familiar with facing much bigger players than me.

"That’s not too big of a challenge, because we will be facing opponents like this in any tournament. The important thing is you have to embrace your strengths to make up for your weaknesses," Hai said.

On the Iranian side, coach Carlos Queiroz was not taking Vietnam for granted.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz, who took Iran to the World Cup twice, speaks at a press conference on Friday. Photo by VnExpress/Van Loc

"I think it will be a tight game. I’m really impressed with Vietnam in their first match. They have Park Hang-seo, a great coach, and players with great fighting spirit. With what they have shown in the last match, Iran needs to be careful. We are ready to play our best football. Get ready for a great match," Queiroz said.

Iran forward Karim Ansarifard said he considered every game in this tournament a final, and the match with Vietnam was no exception.

"In the Asian Cup this year, each game we play will be a final. We won the first final against Yemen, and now we are preparing for the second one with Vietnam," Ansarifard said.

Vietnam will play its second game of AFC Asian Cup against Iran today, at 6 p.m. (Hanoi time) at the Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi. On January 16, Vietnam will play its third and final group stage match against Yemen.