Australia coach Graham Arnold said Vietnam were a tough rival who created a lot of difficulties for his team.(Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Coach Park Hang-seo said he regretted Vietnam's1-0 loss to Australia in Hanoion September 7, but based on theperformance the sides were nearly the same quality.
RhyanGrant’s first-half header near the end of the first half proved enough to seeoff Vietnam at the My Dinh Stadium during the World Cup qualifier.
Earlier,Vietnam were denied a penalty when midfielder Nguyen Phong Hong Duy'sshot hit defender Ryhan Grant's arm. VAR was called upon butreferee Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al-Jassim decided it was not a spot kick.
"Itis the first time that Vietnam are taking part in thethird-round qualifier of a World Cup. Their rivals are all leading continental teams. Vietnamese players performed reallywell and strictly followed our tactics. In terms of technique, there is nobig gap between Vietnam and Australia, though we are smaller than themphysically," Park said in the post-match briefing.
"Aboutthe goal loss, if my defender chose a better position in that situation, Vietnamwould not concede that goal. I feel regret about this loss."
Parkalso spoke about the denied penalty for the hosts, saying: "Thereferee watched VAR. He maybe thought that the defender did notintend to touch the ball. I respect his decision."
Speakingwith reporters after the match, skipper Que Ngoc Hai hailed Vietnam's spiritand effort against familiar World Cup participants Australia.
"Wehave done all we can. We worked hard and played our best this month. Butthey are really strong. I am proud of my team and teammates," he said.
Australiacoach Graham Arnold said Vietnam were a tough rival who createda lot of difficulties for his team. He said he was pleased with three pointsand Australia still had many things to do in the coming games.
TheVietnamese players will be released for one week before they return fortraining on September 18 for two matches, against China on October 7 and Omanfive days later.
Parkexpects his favourite striker Nguyen Cong Phuong will join withteammates after welcoming his baby last month.
Butone of his defenders Nguyen Thanh Trung might be absent as he has atorn thigh, which will take weeks to recover.
Currentlyin Group B, Australia are on top with six points, followed by Saudi Arabiathen Oman.
Vietnamare in fifth, one place above China./.
RhyanGrant’s first-half header near the end of the first half proved enough to seeoff Vietnam at the My Dinh Stadium during the World Cup qualifier.
Earlier,Vietnam were denied a penalty when midfielder Nguyen Phong Hong Duy'sshot hit defender Ryhan Grant's arm. VAR was called upon butreferee Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al-Jassim decided it was not a spot kick.
"Itis the first time that Vietnam are taking part in thethird-round qualifier of a World Cup. Their rivals are all leading continental teams. Vietnamese players performed reallywell and strictly followed our tactics. In terms of technique, there is nobig gap between Vietnam and Australia, though we are smaller than themphysically," Park said in the post-match briefing.
"Aboutthe goal loss, if my defender chose a better position in that situation, Vietnamwould not concede that goal. I feel regret about this loss."
Parkalso spoke about the denied penalty for the hosts, saying: "Thereferee watched VAR. He maybe thought that the defender did notintend to touch the ball. I respect his decision."
Speakingwith reporters after the match, skipper Que Ngoc Hai hailed Vietnam's spiritand effort against familiar World Cup participants Australia.
"Wehave done all we can. We worked hard and played our best this month. Butthey are really strong. I am proud of my team and teammates," he said.
Australiacoach Graham Arnold said Vietnam were a tough rival who createda lot of difficulties for his team. He said he was pleased with three pointsand Australia still had many things to do in the coming games.
TheVietnamese players will be released for one week before they return fortraining on September 18 for two matches, against China on October 7 and Omanfive days later.
Parkexpects his favourite striker Nguyen Cong Phuong will join withteammates after welcoming his baby last month.
Butone of his defenders Nguyen Thanh Trung might be absent as he has atorn thigh, which will take weeks to recover.
Currentlyin Group B, Australia are on top with six points, followed by Saudi Arabiathen Oman.
Vietnamare in fifth, one place above China./.
VNA
