Vietnam team regretfully draws with DPRK

Playing resiliently for most of the match, even taking the lead thanks to Mac Hong Quan, the Vietnamese team had to settle for a draw with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea after a rather unfortunate mistake.

Vietnam national football team drew with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea with a style of play that satisfied coach Miura and fans - Photo: Minh Tuan

Goal

Vietnam:Mac Hong Quan (63')

DPRK:Hong Kum Song (83')

VIDEO: Vietnam 1-1 DPRK

One day before the match between Vietnam and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, coach Toshiya Miura emphasized that this was the last chance for him to check his team before leaving for Thailand to play the first match of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

The Japanese strategist's caution was reflected in the starting lineup when only Que Ngoc Hai was registered as a starter from U23 Vietnam alongside his seniors who have a wealth of experience playing at the highest level.

In the first 45 minutes, the Vietnamese team actively played a tight defense in their home field. And in fact, the defense met the requirements of coach Miura when successfully resolving the aerial situations of the away team. However, on the front line, the attackers such as Minh Tuan, Trong Hoang, Cong Vinh, and Hai Lam also encountered difficulties when facing the solidly organized and disciplined "white wall" of the DPRK.

Vietnam's defense played focused for most of the match - Photo: Minh Tuan

After a somewhat tentative first half between both sides, personnel adjustments after the break created an extremely exciting match. Both Vietnam and the DPRK pushed up their formations, played fairly and attacked tit for tat.

In the 61st minute, Coach Miura sent Mac Hong Quan onto the field. And just 3 minutes later, the player of U23 Vietnam responded to the trust of the Japanese coach. From a quick counter-attack, Van Quyet tried to pass the ball to Hong Quan in the penalty area. At a rather narrow shooting angle, the striker born in 1992 still decisively shot into the top corner of the DPRK goal. The Vietnam team took the lead.

Having conceded a goal, the away team continuously caused trouble for the Vietnamese team's goal. But against a Nguyen Manh who had a solid day, a series of opportunities from wing attacks, central attacks to long-range shots for the DPRK were all missed.

Mac Hong Quan scored just 3 minutes after being substituted onto the field - Photo: Minh Tuan

It was thought that Vietnam would have their first win against the East Asian team, but unfortunately, Huy Cuong let the ball touch his hand in the penalty area. Although Nguyen Manh once again brilliantly blocked Hong Kum Song's penalty kick, he could not prevent this player from scoring the equalizer for the away team.

The last few minutes did not see any more goals scored. The Vietnam team had to accept a regrettable draw against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. A match in which coach Miura achieved certain goals: the ability of the defense to fight in the air, organizing quick counterattacks, and besides that, witnessing the young players of the U23 Vietnam team such as Que Ngoc Hai or Mac Hong Quan play well.

Line-up

Vietnam:Nguyen Manh, Chi Cong (Tien Thanh 46'), Huy Cuong, Ngoc Hai, Minh Chau (Vuong Quoc Trung 76'), Minh Tuan (Van Quyet 46'), Trong Hoang (Quang Hai 46'), Cong Vinh, Hai Anh (Mac Hong Quan 61'), Tien Thanh, Khanh Lam

DPRK:Ri Myong Guk, Kang Kuk Chol, Ri Hyok Chol (Pak Hyon Il 67'), Ri Chol Myong, Jong II Gwan (Sim Hyon Jin 57'), Ri Yong Chol , Ro Hak Su, So Hyon Uk (Jon Kwang Ik 79'), Hong Kum Song, O Jin Hyok (So Kyong Jin 76'), Jang Kuk Chol.

According to Bongdaplus