Yemen coach not convinced, coach Park reveals secret to victory

The German coach said that the decision to award Vietnam a free kick leading to the opening goal (scored by Quang Hai) by referee Ahmed Al-Kaf was incorrect.

Vietnam convincingly defeated Yemen. Photo: AFC

"Today, I decided to change the strategy compared to the previous two matches by playing with a 5-defender formation. In fact, this system worked very well, the players played tightly and Vietnam had no chance to threaten the goal. Ironically, Yemen conceded a goal from a free kick. I think my players did not commit a foul. Vietnam could only score thanks to the referee."

Evaluating Yemen's performance, the 60-year-old strategist said that his students played much better compared to the two defeats against Iran and Iraq: "Everything would have been easier if the score was 0-0 in the first half. In the second half, they also played better and attacked strongly. Changing the goalkeeper was a last resort because Al Sowadi (goalkeeper number 1) was injured before the match.

Coach Jan Kocian. Photo: VOV

Yemen is participating in the Asian Cup with many young, inexperienced players. However, I still have high expectations for the development of this country's football."

Coach Jan Kocian also had many compliments for Vietnam, and at the same time hoped that coach Park Hang-seo and his team would qualify for the round of 16. Currently, Vietnam (3 points, goal difference -1) has risen to 3rd place in the group of 3rd-placed teams with the best results and has a great chance of advancing. "Vietnam is a strong team. Although the situation is not clear, I still wish you guys to get a ticket to the round of 16 of the Asian Cup."

Meanwhile, coach Park Hang-seo opened the press conference in an optimistic spirit. "Today the whole team played the last match of the group stage. Both teams had good performances to win and advance to the next round. I want to give compliments to the players. They played with high concentration. I am extremely grateful because the whole team played very well today."

Coach Park Hang-seo. Photo: ST

Despite the victory, coach Park Hang-seo expressed regret that the Vietnamese team could not officially enter the round of 16. "If we could have scored one more goal, we would have definitely passed the group stage. So now we have to wait for the results in the other groups."

After being asked about tactics in the final minutes of the match, Coach Park Hang-seo said that Van Duc and Cong Phuong would be more effective if they moved up high, while Quang Hai would be arranged to drop back. This would help the Vietnamese strikers create more space.

Commenting on the overall match, the Korean coach said: "The players were under a bit of pressure because of the task of winning all 3 points. I asked the players to stay calm and maintain the tempo on the field. After the first half, things became more difficult when Yemen switched from a 3-defender formation to a 4-defender formation. Yemen played more focused in the second half. However, I can still be satisfied because the players did what was required."

Sharing about Quang Hai's super free kick, coach Park Hang-seo said: "In previous matches, Quang Hai did not handle his opportunities well. However, I encouraged him to be confident and he would score. Today, Quang Hai did it so I am very proud."