HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s national football team have earned total prize money of around VNĐ12 billion (US$522,000) for their excellent performance at the ongoing AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Việt Nam emerged victorious after a penalty shootout with Jordan to become the first team to reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals on Sunday after being the last side to scrape into the round of 16. 

With this win, the squad will receive more than VNĐ7 billion ($304,000) from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, five domestic banks and one other firm.

Việt Nam received VNĐ1.5 billion ($65,200) for their efforts in the qualifying round, including VNĐ1 billion ($43,500) from the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) and VNĐ500 million ($21,700) from a member of the VFF.

For taking part in the Asian Cup, each team will receive $200,000 from the organising board.

If the Vietnamese squad reach the semi-finals, they will receive an additional $1 million from the organising board.

Việt Nam will next face Japan or Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals on January 24.

This is the second time Việt Nam has earned the right to compete in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup. Twelve years ago, Việt Nam, under the guidance of coach Alfred Riedl, entered the Asian Cup 2007’s quarter-finals.

After Việt Nam beat Jordan, minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyễn Ngọc Thiện, sent a letter of congratulations.

“Millions of fans are very happy and proud of Việt Nam’s performance at the Asian Cup. This result is a priceless gift which Việt Nam will bring home,” said Thiện.

“With unity, skill and spirit, Việt Nam played courageously to take a convincing win and become one of the best eight teams in Asia. This determination and energy demonstrates the beauty of Vietnamese people: rising from hardship,” Thiện added.

Thiện also thanked South Korean head coach Park and members of the training staff for their contribution to Vietnamese football. He thanked the fans for their great support for the team over the competition. — VNS