Notably, the Video Assistance Referee (VAR) will be used starting from the tournament’s quarterfinal stages. It will be the first time for Vietnam to play in a match with the VAR technology.

Vietnamese defender Nguyen Trong Hoang (No. 8), who provided an assist for striker Cong Phuong in Vietnam's match against Jordan on January 20.

Japan reached the quarterfinals after beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 on January 21, with a header of defender Takehiro Toniyasu in the 20th minute.

Both Japan and Saudi Arabia are considered heavyweights of the Asian Cup, as Japan were the winners four times and Saudi Arabia won the championship twice.

Previously on January 20, Vietnam advanced to the quarterfinals with pride after a breath-taking shootout with Jordan. The two sides finished the official 90 minutes of the match with a 1-1 draw, in which Vietnam conceded a goal in the first half and gradually scored an equalizer in the second.

Into the extra times, the two sides played cautiously but by no means dully although the players’ health went down considerably. The two coaches sent in their substitutes, apparently preparing for the shootout.

Saeed of Jordan hit the bar in the second penalty, much to his and his side’s regret. Their regret even worsened as Vietnam’s goalie Dang Van Lam denied a goal from the Jordan side in their third penalty.

Vietnam should have finished the game early but substitute Tran Minh Vuong failed to score a goal in the fourth penalty. However, in the last shoot, defender Bui Tien Dung sent the ball to the net to secure a berth in the quarterfinals for Vietnam.

Asian Cup 2019: PM sends letter to football team ahead of last group match

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on January 15 sent a letter to encourage the national men’s football team before their participation in the last match of the Group D round with Yemen at the Asian Cup 2019. 

 

Vietnamese football fan says it with flowers, thousands of them

A Hanoi football fan hired 15 gardeners to create a unique floral celebration and tribute to Vietnam's recent victories.

 

Vietnamese player ranks among Asia’s top 15 footballers

 Vietnamese national football team’s player Nguyen Quang Hai has been named one of the top 15 best footballers in Asia in 2018 following a vote by Fox Sports Asia and Titan Sports.

 

No rest for Vietnamese football stars

After an incredible 2018, Vietnam’s footballers are set for another busy year with three key international tournaments. The first is the final round of the Asian Cup which will kick off on January 5 in the United Arab Emirates.

 

Source: NDO