AFC Asian Cup: Reaching the quarterfinal was dramatic, says Vietnam coach

Dubai - Vietnam lost to four-time champions Japan 1-0

Having seen his team deliver a memorable performance against the mighty Japan in their narrow 1-0 defeat in the AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal, Vietnam coach Park Hang-seo wore a big smile on his face as he entered the press conference room.
After taking questions from journalists, the 60-year-old South Korean bowed his head and shook hands with many of the reporters before leaving the room to a thunderous applause.  
Before the start of the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE, few could have predicted a fairy tale run from Vietnam which found themselves in a group that had Iran and Iraq.
Despite losing their first two matches, the Golden Dragons qualified for the Round of 16 with a victory in their final group game over Yemen before coming from behind to beat Jordan on penalties.
Vietnam's only other Asian Cup quarterfinal appearance came in 2007 when they co-hosted the tournament.
They were outplayed by the eventual champions Iraq in 2007 as they lost that quarterfinal game 2-0.
But 12 years later in Dubai, Vietnam showed how far they have come as their quick, skillful young players tormented Japan which needed a second-half penalty to reach the semifinals.

Vietnam coach Park Hang-seo at the post-match press conference in Dubai on Thursday (Photo courtesy AFC website)
"For Vietnam to reach the quarterfinal was dramatic. I think my players did their best in the competition -- even though we lost against Japan today. My team showed great fighting spirit. I am really satisfied," said Park who also guided the team to the AFF Cup (South East Asian football tournament) title in December last year.
Park also manages Vietnam's under 23 team which reached the AFC Asian U23 Cup final and the Asian Games semifinal last year.
While the country has invested heavily in their youth system in recent years keeping the 2026 World Cup in mind --- there will be 48 teams in World Cups from 2026 - it was after Park took over the coaching role that their under 23 and the senior national teams have begun to earn praise from the pundits.
And reaching the quarterfinals in the continent's biggest tournament will inspire the team, according to Park.
"Reaching the quarterfinals here is dramatic. I never expected that we would reach the quarterfinals here. It's a miracle," he said.
"But our team showed that we can do it. That we can fight any team. Of course, we are not as strong as Japan, Iran and Iraq. So for the Vietnam team this experience of playing such strong teams could be very helpful to improve their level."
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com