VOV.VN - The performance against Japan helped the Vietnamese national team temporarily relieve pressure and receive encouragement before heading to the crucial group stage match of the 2023 Asian Cup against Indonesia.
Surprising and realistic
Dinh Bac's incredible header and Tuan Hai's finish into an empty net were the two most sublime moments for the Vietnamese national team in their match against Japan. These two goals came during the half-hour period when the Vietnamese team played their best in their opening match of the 2023 Asian Cup.
The way the Vietnamese team scored and their overall performance surprised many fans. With coach Philippe Troussier facing criticism and Japan enjoying a 10-match winning streak, the prevailing prediction before the match was that Vietnam would suffer a heavy defeat.
Dinh Bac deserved to be the most representative image of the Vietnamese national team in this match. The 19-year-old striker played confidently, outmaneuvering defender Yukinari Sugawara, earning a free kick that led to Tuan Hai's goal to make it 2-1 in the 33rd minute, and then diving to head the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to equalize 1-1 in the 16th minute.
The Vietnamese national team caused a surprise by taking a 2-1 lead against the Japanese national team.
Dinh Bac delivered an impressive performance in his Asian Cup debut. (Photo: Reuters)
However, Dinh Bac couldn't last the entire match and left the field in the 64th minute. The Vietnamese team also couldn't maintain their momentum for the full 90 minutes. In fact, coach Philippe Troussier's team couldn't even sustain their surprising lead until the end of the first half.
Japan's four goals in the 11th, 45th, 45+4th, and 85th minutes all came after relentless attacks that disrupted Vietnam's defense. Takumi Minamino (two goals), Keito Nakamura, and Ayase Ueda beat goalkeeper Nguyen Filip with unstoppable shots.
In fact, the Vietnamese team made every effort to control the pace of the game through both ball control (41%) and mass defense, but the difference in class still left Nguyen Filip and his teammates struggling as the Japanese team was determined to increase the tempo.
The Japanese team scored after a series of coordinated attacks that disrupted the Vietnamese defense. (Photo: Reuters)
The Vietnamese national team was unable to pull off a complete surprise against the Japanese national team. (Photo: Reuters)
Coach Hajime Moriyasu and the inspiration for the crucial match.
Before leading the Japanese national team to a sensation at the 2022 World Cup and becoming the strongest contender for the 2023 Asian Cup title, coach Hajime Moriyasu was on the verge of being sacked. Moriyasu broke down in tears while singing the national anthem before Japan's match against Australia in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers on October 14, 2021. It was a match where he risked losing his job if he didn't win.
At that time, the Japanese national team's playing style wasn't as good as it is now, and their performance was extremely disappointing. However, coach Hajime Moriyasu "escaped" that predicament when Japan beat Australia 2-1, and after that, the team and coach continuously improved together.
Coach Moriyasu is winning the hearts of Japanese fans. (Photo: Reuters)
Coach Moriyasu and Coach Troussier chat after the final whistle. (Photo: Reuters)
Coach Philippe Troussier and the Vietnamese national team are also aiming for a decisive match. Vietnam needs to win against Indonesia in the next match to open up opportunities to advance from the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup and create a memorable milestone under the French strategist.
Coach Philippe Troussier once admitted that 80% of comments on social media were unsupportive of him. That relationship warmed up after the Vietnam vs. Japan match. If Mr. Troussier browses social media now, he will see many more positive comments.
That warmth was a morale boost for the Vietnamese national team and coach Philippe Troussier personally, before entering the crucial group stage match of the 2023 Asian Cup. However, the praise will be drowned out by a wave of criticism if the Vietnamese team does not win on January 19th.
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