Southeast Asia Vietnam

Vietnam Fly Flag In Asian Games Quarter Finals

Vietnam is the last remaining South East Asian team in the men’s football tournament at the 2018 Asian Games, and are set to take on Syria in the quarterfinals. Ahead of what is a historic game for a nation which has never reached this stage before, fans are expectant that their team can continue blazing a trail and give rise to the next generation of Vietnamese football stars.

We spoke to Tran Tien from Football Tribe Vietnam to get an idea of how the nation is gearing up for this crucial encounter.

What do fans expect from this game against Syria?

Of course, they expect their team to win and advance to the semi-finals. 

When this tournament started, did the fans think that Vietnam would get this far?

Yes, because many members of this team also made it to the final of the U23 AFC Championships in China earlier this year.

Vietnam has a very strong defence and is yet to concede a goal. Why is that?

There are two reasons for that. Firstly, it can be argued that the four opponents Vietnam have faced so far were not the strongest and as such the Vietnamese defenders have not faced many difficulties. Secondly, the five defenders and goalkeeper are the same players who starred for Vietnam in the U23 Championships, and they have maintained their good form and partnership. 

Many people have been saying this is a “golden generation” for Vietnam. Do you agree?

Yes. They have a good spirit and a lot of quality. Furthermore, they have received big support from the Vietnamese Football Federation and various sponsors before each tournament. 

What is your prediction for this match?

A Vietnam victory after a penalty shootout. 

 

If they are to qualify for the semi-finals, Vietnam will take on the winner of a match between defending Asian Games champions South Korea and currently holding AFC U23 Champions Uzbekistan. If they are to face the latter, it will be a repeat of the final of the prior tournament in China, giving the South East Asian outfit a chance for vengeance.

Elsewhere, Japan take on Saudi Arabia as North Korea challenge the United Arab Emirates in the other half of the bracket.