Vietnam’s Olympic football team received plaudits from international media after creating football history for the second time this year.

Beating Syria 1-0 in the Asian Games (ASIAD) 2018 quarterfinal on August 27, the team secured a spot in the men’s semi-final.

“They have done it again”, Fox Sports Asia posted on its Facebook page minutes after Vietnam’s win over the Middle East country.

On its website, Fox Sports Asia complimented Nguyen Van Toan’s goal while extolling a long ball from defender Bui Tien Dung which gave Nguyen Anh Duc a glorious chance. Although Duc’s deft flick came back off the bar, substitute Toan “was perfectly placed to finish into the unguarded net”.

It also said that taking on the Republic of Korea (RoK), who had 14 goals in four games, is another “tough test” awaiting Park Hang-seo’s team.

Headlined “Super sub Van Toan strikes to take Vietnam through”, the piece on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s home page said that Syria had the lion’s share of possession and tested Vietnamese goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung many times. However, with a “solid defence”, the Vietnamese players kept both teams searching for goals.

The article also highlighted Park’s efficient tactics, which helped the team advance to the quarter-finals without conceding a single goal.

Vietnam’s football team also gained attention from Korean media via images of the squad, coach Park Hang-seo, and fans across Vietnam storming the streets to celebrate victory over Syria.

KBS news described the jubilant atmosphere of Vietnam’s streets which were turned into festivals by fans. Hundreds of motorbikes and national flags appeared on the streets to celebrate Vietnam’s maiden Asian Games semi-final, it said.

Meanwhile, Yonhap News wrote “Vietnam football coach Park Hang-seo found himself in an awkward position after his side beat Syria 1-0 in their quarter-final match at the 18th Asian Games on Monday”, referencing the fact his side next take on his home country of the RoK in the semi-final on August 29.

Coach Park determined to earn new victory for Vietnam

Head coach of the Vietnam Olympic football team Park Hang-seo and Nguyen Van Toan after the team’s 1-0 win over Syria in the quarter-final at ASIAD 2018 on August 27. 

“I will do my best to bring the victory for the Vietnam Olympic football team in the semi-final match with the Republic of Korea (RoK) at the ongoing Asian Games 2018 (ASIAD) in Indonesia”, head coach of the team Park Hang-seo has said.

Speaking at a press conference after the team’s 1-0 win over Syria in the quarter-final on August 27, Park thanked the team for their efforts that lead to the historic victory, affirming that he will try all the ways to help his team reach the final.

“We have only two days to prepare for the coming semi-final and it will be difficult, but the RoK is in the same condition,” he said.

In reply to questions on his selection of personnel for the upcoming match with the RoK, Park said he has principles in choosing the starting lineup for a match and any player who has a good attitude and quality can be selected. 

“I am proud of my players and that is why I am happy to be leading the team”, said the coach who is a Korean himself. “I always tell my players that they need to be confident and make their utmost to bring victory for their country”.

The only goal in Vietnam’s win on August 27 was scored in the 108th minute by Nguyen Van Toan, who replaced striker Nguyen Cong Phuong in the 82nd minute.

Vietnam will meet the RoK in the semi-final at 4pm on August 29. This is the first time Vietnam has reached the semi-finals of an ASIAD.

VNA