Football

Việt Nam coach Philippe Troussier reacts during the friendly match between Việt Nam and Hong Kong on Thursday in Hải Phòng. Việt Nam win 1-0. — VNA/VNS Photo

HẢI PHÒNG — Việt Nam coach Philippe Troussier did not take part in the post-match conference after beating Hong Kong in friendly, but his opposite number Joern Andersen, was quick to blame the referee after the match in Hải Phòng on Thursday.

The only goal of the match was scored on the 31st minute by captain Quế Ngọc Hải from penalty spot.

The friendly match's communications officer said Troussier had an urgent issues that he had to deal with.

It is understood one player from the Vietnamese squad collapsed post-match on the pitch. His team mates formed a circle around the player while medical staff treated him. The name of the player has not been released, although his condition is thought to be stable.

Earlier, Troussier showed off his displeasure during the match as his players made a number of mistake on the field. He even punched on the players' cabin because of his anger.

He also expressed his regrets and called players to talk during the match.

Việt Nam forward Nguyễn Tuấn Hải beats two Hong Kong players during their friendly match on Thursday in Hải Phòng. VNA/VNS Photo

Andersen said Hong Kong played a good game but must improve their finishing. His team struck Việt Nam's crossbar three times.

"I am pleased with their performance which was better than the match against Malaysia a few days ago," Anderson said.

"I fielded all the best players in the match. They could not catch the pace of the game in the first five to seven minutes but got better as the match went on. Our problem is we could not convert opportunities into goals. We need to fix this problem."

The Norwegian-German tactician however did not agree with the penalty decision by Malaysian referee Suhaizi Bin Shukri. It led to his team's defeat.

“I am angry with the decision. I did not think it would be a penalty. The referee decided the final result of the match," said Andersen who added that his team are gradually narrowing the gap with teams in Asian region.

Việt Nam will next play Syria at the Nam Định Province's Thiên Trường Stadium on June 20. Meanwhile Hong Kong will be back home to host Thailand in a friendly at the Hong Kong Stadium on June 19. — VNS