Vietnam’s goalkeeper blames himself after Japan defeat

Goalkeeper Nguyen Filip thanks fans after the 2-4 defeat of Vietnam against Japan in Asian Cup group stage on Jan. 14, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

In the third minute of injury time in the first half, when the score was 2-2, Filip made a long goal kick to the other side but his teammate lost the ball and let Japan start an attack. Kaito Nakamura got the ball at the edge of the box and his shot curled into the top corner.

After the match at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Filip said: “I conceded four goals and have many regrets, especially the third goal. I should have kept the ball longer to give my teammates a little more time to rest. I may have been too hasty. Without this play, the first half could have ended in a draw and Japan would have been under more pressure in the second half.”

Coach Philippe Troussier praised Filip for his performance.

In his first match for the Vietnam national team after completing his naturalization last year, the 31-year-old keeper made at least four excellent saves.

Despite the loss, Vietnam played well considering their opponents are ranked 77 places above in the FIFA rankings and had the best form in the world ahead of the Sunday match, with 10 straight wins, scoring 45 goals and conceding only five.

“I was disappointed to lose this match, but also very proud that the team played well against the top team on the continent,” said Filip. “At one point we took the lead, but unfortunately we couldn’t protect it. Regardless of the result, I’m always proud of my teammates.”

The Vietnamese Czech goalkeeper reaffirmed that the team’s goal remains the same, which is to get past the group stage. To do that, they need to get four points in the next two matches against Indonesia on Jan. 19 and Iraq on the 24th.