The encounter between Vietnam and Japan, the first Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup 2019 quarter-final in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 24 night, has made international headlines.

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The encounter between Vietnam and Japan, the first Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup 2019 quarter-final, will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 24 night.


Iran’s Varzeshi newspaper said Park Hang-seo, head coach of Vietnam’s national football team, has shown his resolve and confidence after Vietnam gained a berth in the round. 

The newspaper also lauded the performance of Vietnamese players in the past matches, especially their 2-0 win over Yemen in the last match of Group D, saying they also surprised football fans during the breath-taking shootout with Jordan. 

Both Varzeshi and the Washington Post of the US commented on the solid defence of Japan, who, the Post said, are expected to defeat Vietnam in the upcoming match. 

Pojoksatu newspaper of Indonesia also mentioned Japan as favourites to advance after reviewing their achievements in previous Asian Cups and their performances this year. 

Vietnam advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament after a breath-taking shootout with Jordan on January 20 in the UAE.

Vietnamese fans are heading to the UAE to support the national football team. In the knockout match with Jordan, about 2,000 Vietnamese fans living and working in Dubai cheered on the Golden Dragons.

Japan reached the quarter-finals after beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 on January 21 with a header from defender Takehiro Toniyasu in the 20th minute.

PM wishes national team good luck ahead of Asian Cup quarterfinal

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made a personal call to Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo and his players, encouraging them in the run-up to the Asian Cup quarterfinal match against Japan.

He made the call ahead of his departure for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.   

Over the phone with head coach Park Hang-seo, the government leader hailed the national squad’s efforts.

He hoped that the team would play well in the quarterfinal match against Japan Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai today, January 24, at 8 pm.

Early this morning, hundreds of Vietnamese fans have left Vietnam for Dubai to cheer the national team.

Five large-size screens will be installed on Le Duan Street in HCM City for the public to enjoy the match.


VNA/Dtinews/Lao Dong