Vietnam coach Troussier remains positive despite losing to Japan

“I’m pleased with today’s game. If we talk about ranking and form, Japan are truly a giant that we had to face. In the first few minutes, my players were a bit confused and overwhelmed by the pressure coming from the opponent,” Troussier said after the game.

“For the rest of the match, the players improved and complied well with the tactics, while maintaining their determination until the last minute. In short, I’m very satisfied with the team’s performance today.”

Coach Philippe Troussier during the Vietnam-Japan match in the first round of group D of Asian Cup on Jan. 14, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

In spite of the large difference in level and predictions of a tough game before kickoff, Vietnam entered the game confidently. After Takumi Minamino opened the scoring in the 11th minute, Vietnam came back harder. The team took full advantage of two set pieces to create a big surprise for the opponent.

In the 16th minute, from Do Hung Dung’s corner, 19-year-old Nguyen Dinh Bac headed the ball into the top far corner and equalized for Vietnam. In the 33rd minute, from a freekick by Phan Tuan Tai, Pham Tuan Hai took advantage of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki’s mistake to tap it in and help Vietnam lead 2-1

Japan took back the lead by the end of the first half with goals from Minamimo and Keito Nakamura.

Coach Troussier predicted that his players might only get 20% of possession, but in reality Vietnam, with the 3-5-2 formation, had 42% of possession in the first half. In the goal, the newly naturalized goalkeeper Nguyen Filip made many excellent saves and stopped many shots from Japan.

 

 

Vietnam coach Troussier remains positive despite losing to Japan

Việt Nam 2-4 Nhật Bản

In the second half, Japan still dominated, but did not create many dangerous chances. Vietnam’s defense, under the command of Bui Hoang Viet Anh, coordinated well to repel pressure from the opponent.

It wasn’t until near the end of the match, after coach Hajime Moriyasu put his best-attacking cards on, that Japan were able to find another goal by Ayase Ueda and sealed the 4-2 victory.

“Vietnam scored two goals today and we didn’t get booked, so I think losing 2-4 will benefit us plenty compared to losing 0-2,” Troussier said.

He said after Sunday game, Vietnam still stick to their original goal at this tournament, which is becoming one of the best third-placed teams in the group stage, “or placing second which is even better.”

Troussier also complimented the performance of goalkeeper Filip in this game, although he was a bit under pressure. Aside from making great saves, Filip also helped Vietnam deploy the ball from their side of the field.

Regarding tactics of this game, the coach added: “I explained to the players about defending without the ball, and when they got the ball, they must stay focused and avoid losing it in dangerous positions. Everyone knew how dangerous Japan are. Once they got the ball it’s not easy to get it back from their feet.”

Vietnam will play Indonesia next on Jan. 19.