(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam beat Jordan 4-2 in penalty shootout after drawing 1-1 in 120 minutes, being the only Southeast Asian team to qualify for the 2019 ASIAN Cup’s quarterfinals.
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Vietnamese players cheer after the victory over Jordan in the 2019 Asian Cup's knock-out round on January 20, 2018.
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AFP said Vietnam is the stronger and more positive team. Reuters complimented Vietnam for their excellent performance, neat interplay, and stylish touches. Fox Sports Asia quoted many comments from Asian football fans, who depicted the win as “fairy tale” but convincing and deserving. South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper said that Park’s magic helped Vietnam play better than their rivals.
“I am very pleased with the team’s performance. We set a target of getting through the group stage. But now we have reached the quarterfinal round. I am impressed by all the players, particularly with head coach Park Hang-seo,” said Trinh Quang Thang, a Hanoi fan.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc praised the team’s performance, saying they have played their best with confidence and bravery, saying the match with Jordan was brilliant. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, major banks, and business groups awarded the team about 300,000 USD.
On Thursday, Vietnam will play against the winner of the match between Japan and Saudi Arabia.