Vietnamese footballers (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s football team secured the top place of GroupD at the 2018 Asian Games (ASIAD) after beating Japan 1-0 in the third match inIndonesia on August 19.
The last groupstage match between Vietnam and Japan took place at the Wibawa Mukti Stadium inWest Java, Indonesia.
A lapse in Japan's defense was seized by midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai to putVietnam ahead right in the third minute.
A few minutes later, Hai, wearing number 19, had another shoot but it was savedby the Japanese goalkeeper.
Half an hour into the game, Vietnam has apparently launched more and strongerattacks. Its defenders were also all attentive.
Japan went into the second half with more attacks, having several shoots savedby the goal keeper during the first minutes. The game really went up a notchwith strong attacks from both teams.
Vietnam sent Nguyen Cong Phuong, one of its main strikers, into the game in the57th minute.
In the 77th minute, Nguyen Quang Hai left the game with injuries. Hewas replaced by Phan Van Duc.
Japan found the net in the 80th minute but it was scored from an offsideposition, and therefore, not allowed. The game was over after four extrastressful minutes.
Before the matchwith Japan, Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai said: “We are ready for thegame with Japan. They are very strong but we as confident to play well.”
Meanwhile, coachPark Hang-seo said his team would try their best to beat Japan to top Group D.
Park said Vietnamcompleted their target of reaching the quarter-finals of the ASIAD, but arehungry to go further, starting with a win over Japan.
With the victory, Vietnam topped Group D with nine points and will play againstone of the best teams who come third in Groups B, E or F on August 23.
Japan on the other hand will play against the team at the top post of group E,Malaysia.
Earlier, Vietnam beat Pakistan 3-0 and Nepal 2-0.-VNA
VNA
