Football

Midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải of Việt Nam strikes the ball during a World Cup Qualifier against Australia on Tuesday night. Việt Nam lost 1-0. Photo courtesy of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Coach Park Hang-seo said he regretted Việt Nam's 1-0 loss to Australia in Hà Nội on Tuesday, but based on the performance the sides were nearly the same quality.

Rhyan Grant’s first-half header near the end of the first half proved enough to see off Việt Nam at the Mỹ Đình Stadium during the World Cup qualifier.

Earlier, Việt Nam were denied a penalty when midfielder Nguyễn Phong Hồng Duy's shot hit defender Ryhan Grant's arm. VAR was called upon but referee Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al-Jassim decided it was not a spot kick.

"It is the first time that Việt Nam are taking part in the third-round qualifier of a World Cup. Their rivals are all leading continental teams. Vietnamese players performed really well and strictly followed our tactics. In terms of technique, there is no big gap between Việt Nam and Australia, though we are smaller than them physically," Park said in the post-match briefing.

"About the goal loss, if my defender chose a better position in that situation, Việt Nam would not concede that goal. I feel regret about this loss."

Park also spoke about the denied penalty for the hosts, saying: "The referee watched VAR. He maybe thought that the defender did not intend to touch the ball. I respect his decision."

Speaking with reporters after the match, skipper Quế Ngọc Hải hailed Việt Nam's spirit and effort against familiar World Cup participants Australia.

"We have done all we can. We worked hard and played our best this month. But they are really strong. I am proud of my team and teammates," he said.

Australia coach Graham Arnold said Việt Nam were a tough rival who created a lot of difficulties for his team. He said he was pleased with three points and Australia still had many things to do in the coming games.

The Vietnamese players will be released for one week before they return for training on September 18 for two matches, against China on October 7 and Oman five days later.

Park expects his favourite striker Nguyễn Công Phượng will join with teammates after welcoming his baby last month.

But one of his defenders Nguyễn Thành Trung might be absent as he has a torn thigh, which will take weeks to recover.

Currently in Group B, Australia are on top with six points, followed by Saudi Arabia then Oman.

Việt Nam are in fifth, one place above China. VNS