(VOVWORLD) - The Vietnamese men’s national football team gave a solid, courageous performance in its opening match on Sunday in Qatar at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
 Dinh Bac (15) gives an outstanding performance against the Japanese team, January 14, 2024. (Photo: Hoang Linh/VNA) |
Despite a 2-4 loss to Japan, the Vietnamese team made a good impression on the spectators and the media.
Japanese newspaper Chunichi noted that it had been 4 years and 2 months since the Japanese team last conceded 2 in the first half. Korean newspaper Osen praised Vietnam for scoring 2 goals against Japan, the team with the highest FIFA ranking in Asia. ESPN Asia said the Vietnamese forced a stronger opponent to chase their score.
Thailand's Siam Sport newspaper expressed the admiration of Thai fans for Vietnam's spirited performance, saying the match exceeded expectations, with Vietnam's exemplary spirit standing out. The newspaper said Thai players should try to emulate Vietnam's determined approach during the 2023 Asian Cup.