Syria coach: 'Vietnam deserved to win'

Nam Dinh According to coach Hector Cuper, Syria was overwhelmed by the atmosphere at Thien Truong Stadium, while host Vietnam had a clear strategy in the friendly match on the evening of June 20.

"The home team attracted a large number of fans to the stadium, and that passionate atmosphere made it a bit difficult for Syria. Besides, not being used to the weather also made us have a difficult start," commented coach Cuper. "But overall, Vietnam played better and deserved to win. My players played better in the second half, but need more time to improve. I just arrived in Syria and am in the process of monitoring the players. This time, our team has 12 to 15 players who are called up to the national team for the first time."

Coach Cuper at a press conference after the friendly match between Syria and Vietnam at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh on the evening of June 20. Photo: Lam Thoa — Coach Cuper at a press conference after the friendly match between Syria and Vietnam at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh on the evening of June 20. Photo: *Lam Thoa*

Syria is ranked 90th in FIFA, five places above Vietnam, and has twice reached the final qualifying round of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Leading them is the famous coach Cuper - who brought Valencia to consecutive UEFA Champions League finals in the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons.

On the contrary, Vietnam is in the process of building its playing style and force under the new reign of Philippe Troussier, after years of resounding success with coach Park Hang-seo. Therefore, the team has not made much of an impression, and is even being criticized for "only" defeating Hong Kong 1-0 in a friendly match at Lach Tray Stadium on June 15.

But at Thien Truong Stadium, Coach Troussier's team started the game better. Besides familiar faces like Nguyen Quang Hai, the home team had many U23 players, typically Nguyen Thai Son in the midfield. Playing in place of Nguyen Hoang Duc, the 20-year-old talent showed maturity in the competition as well as connecting with the attack. He was the one who created the assist for substitute striker Nguyen Tuan Hai to score the only goal from a long range in the second half.

"Troussier's tactics in this match were reasonable," commented coach Cuper. "Vietnam also showed progress. They controlled the game well, making it difficult for us to regain the ball at times. Troussier did very well in this match."

With two friendly victories in the FIFA calendar, the Vietnamese team returned to the Top 15 of Asia when it defeated Palestine, ensuring a place in Group 2 of the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia. In November 2023, Troussier and his team will begin the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Lam Thoa

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