Asian Games

Vietnamese players celebrate after their goal during a 4-2 win over Mongolia at the Asian Games on September 19. Photo of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam head coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn demanded his players must fix their mistakes ahead of the team's second match at the Asian Games on September 21 in Hangzhou, China.

Việt Nam defeated Mongolia 4-2 in their opening game on September 19 to take the lead in Group B but Tuấn was not satisfied over some players getting booked and the two goals they conceded.

Việt Nam scored three goals in first half and added another after the break. Mongolia narrowed the score with two goals in the second half.

"I am really angry with their stupid mistakes leading to the yellow cards," said Tuấn at the post-match conference.

"When Việt Nam created a big gap with Mongolia, players lost their concentration. Mistakes happened in this period leading to the regrettable changes of the match. I have told them a lot about this problem prior to the tournament. They were asked to be focused from the beginning to the end of the match.

"The bookings and conceded goals will affect our performance in the upcoming matches and the overall ranking."

The 2017 World Cup U20 coach said the final result was good but he was not happy with any individual player because of the team's overall performance.

"They should not make mistake and receive more bookings, which drove me really mad, as we still have two games ahead," he said.

A small group of supporters cheering for Việt Nam at the Asian Games. — Photo of VFF

The 55-year-old tactician was moved when seeing a group of Vietnamese supporters on the stand.

"It is surprise to see Vietnamese fans cheering for us. They make us feel moved," he said.

"Seeing even only one supporter makes me feel that she or he represents 100 million Vietnamese football lovers encouraging us. We were strongly motivated by their cheering."

Coach Ichiro Otsuka of Mongolia was impressed with the quality of Việt Nam's football.

He said all Vietnamese players had good technique and speed. The team also had threating attack plans that worked really well.

He said Mongolia played badly in the first half. They planned to score in the first 10 minutes but conceded an early goal. Việt Nam did good job in defending and breaking in Mongolian defence to score three goals in the first 45 minutes, he said.

The Japanese coach said his team were better in the second half with two goals but finally suffered a defeat. He was proud of the team as all players tried their best. 

Việt Nam, seeking a first ever Asian Games medal, sit on top of the group ahead of Iran and Saudi Arabia who drew 0-0 in the later game of Group B. 

Việt Nam will meet Iran on September 21 with Saudi Arabia to play Mongolia. 

The women's football team target a slot in the Asian Games' semi-finals. — VNA/VNS Photo

In other football news, the women's team arrived in Wenzhou on September 19 and had their first training session.

Coach Mai Đức Chung finalised 22 players who are expected to repeat their best result of a place in the semi-final round that they did in the 2014 South Korean Games.

"I believe that we can make semi-finals. I promise my team will unite and play hard and will go as far as possible in this tournament," said coach Mai Đức Chung who will not have his key forward Huỳnh Như.

Như is playing for Portuguese Lank FC and she is not released to join Việt Nam in the Asian Games.

"It is a pity that Như can't participate. But we will have changes in the team and hope that my players will bring their strong points into play for best results,” Chung said.

Việt Nam will play the first match against Nepal on September 22. Later, they will play Bangladesh on September 25 and Japan on September 28. VNS