'The Vietnam team taught us many lessons'

The Japanese team kicked off the 2023 Asian Cup with 3 full points against Vietnam, in the match at 6:30 p.m. on January 14. However, this was not an easy victory. Despite the opening goal by Takumi Minamino, Japan then conceded 2 goals in a row, falling into a chasing position.

Timely brilliance from Minamino (a double), Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda helped Japan win 4-2 on aggregate to temporarily rise to the top spot. However, coach Hajime Moriyasu affirmed that the match against Vietnam is proof that no match at the 2023 Asian Cup will be easy for Japan.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu

"The reality against the Vietnamese team taught us that there are no easy matches at the 2023 Asian Cup. However, Japan was calm and adapted promptly to win all 3 points," said coach Moriyasu.

The Japanese team made consecutive mistakes in two set pieces before turning the game around thanks to their bravery. According to Mr. Moriyasu, the Japanese players proved their ability in difficult times.

Highlight Vietnam 2 - 4 Japan | Asian Cup 2023

"The Japanese team faced many difficulties, especially when the team was tied and then had to chase. We could not play domineering football. Although there are still regrets for not fully achieving the goal, the victory still gives the team more confidence to look forward to the next matches," the Japanese strategist assessed.

Mr. Moriyasu also added that the Japanese team must adjust their defensive skills in set pieces if they want to go far in the 2023 Asian Cup.

"The Japanese team must learn from experience when defending against set pieces, and opponents always try to find opportunities from such situations. We anticipated this risk, because in the second leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup, the team was also punctured by Vietnam after a free kick," concluded coach Moriyasu.

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