Coach Park Hang-seo: We tied with Japan, but they are still the top team in Asia

Commenting on the draw with Japan, coach Park Hang-seo shared: "The Vietnamese team finished the third qualifying round of the World Cup with 1 win, 1 draw, 8 losses, this is not a good result. But we have had valuable experiences in this playground. I want the Vietnamese team to have better results in the qualifying round. But in the away match with Japan, we got a draw and I thank the players for their efforts. In the away match with Japan, the Vietnamese team showed national pride. We received enthusiastic cheers and I thank the fans for their affection."

Many Vietnamese people in Japan came to cheer for coach Park Hang-seo and his team. Photo: Hai Hoang

When asked about the future of Vietnamese football,Coach Park Hang-seosaid: "We know that in Vietnam today, I have been a head coach for 5 years. Vietnamese football still lacks many things. Although we tied with Japan, the potential and facilities to support football resources are still limited. I hope that in the future, Vietnamese football will develop if it is well invested."

Coach Park assessed Japan's strength: "We drew with Japan, but they are the top team in Asia. This draw does not mean we underestimate Japan's ability, they are still at a high level. Japan has a complete football service system, especially in terms of facilities."

Coach Park Hang-seo highly appreciated the spirit of the Vietnamese players in the 1-1 draw with Japan. Photo: Hai Hoang

Regarding the match's developments as well as Thanh Binh's goal, the Korean strategist revealed: "In 10 matches, the Vietnamese team has never had such a difficult time as today. While we have to face Japan, considered the strongest in Asia, on away field. I initially hoped not to lose in the first half and would have a chance in the second half. Thanh Binh is an U23 player and played confidently, he has experience when facing China. In addition, Viet Anh also played steadily against Oman. The opportunity for young players to show themselves will create resources and better competition in the Vietnamese team."

Regarding the lessons the Vietnamese team has learned after 10 matches in the third qualifying round of the World Cup and future orientation, coach Park Hang-seo concluded: "To participate in the World Cup, we have to wait 4 years. I need to calculate so that next time, we must have better results and not let time pass meaninglessly."

I don't know if I will still be in Vietnam in 4 years, but the players need to have experience in this third qualifying round. I think we need to build a complete structure for football, so that the players can develop their potential."

Thanh Binh played confidently and scored the only goal for the Vietnam national team. Photo: Hai Hoang

Also at the press conference, goalkeeper Nguyen Manh said: "The whole team played with 200% of their strength and followed the set tactics. Drawing against a strong opponent like Japan is not easy, but this result is truly wonderful. On behalf of the whole team, I would like to sincerely thank the fans for always supporting and accompanying the Vietnam team."

Goalkeeper Nguyen Manh thanks fans for always accompanying and supporting the Vietnam National Team. Photo: Hai Hoang

The Vietnamese team finished the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup in Asia with 4 points (1 win, 1 draw and 8 losses), ranking bottom of Group B. Coach Hajime Moriyasu's team won a ticket to the 2022 World Cup from the previous round, but they are waiting for the Australia - Saudi Arabia match to determine whether they will top the group or not.