Former Liverpool man Takumi Minamino was the star of the match as Japan survived a thrilling encounter with Vietnam in their 2023 AFC Asian Cup opener at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on Sunday, with the Samurai Blue prevailing 4-2 over the Golden Star Warriors.
Hajime Moriyasu’s men had to put in a considerable effort to secure three points in their encounter with Vietnam, who were coached by former Japan coach Philippe Troussier. The Golden Star Warriors posed a challenge for the Samurai Blue, but ultimately succumbed to an agonizing defeat thanks to Keito Nakamura’s skillful curling strike and Ayase Ueda’s late fourth goal.
In the 11th minute, AS Monaco player Minamino gave Japan an early lead, but goals from Nguyen Dinh Bac and Pham Tuan Hai turned the tables in favor of Vietnam. However, Minamino equalized just before halftime, and Stade Reims’ very own Nakamura added to the lead with a well-placed right-footed strike five minutes later.
Nakamura played a key role in Japan’s first notable attack, setting up Hiroki Ito down the left flank, which led to a corner. From that set-piece, Minamino calmly slotted home amid a crowded penalty area to put Moriyasu’s side ahead.
However, Vietnam quickly equalized within five minutes, capitalizing on their own corner. Dinh Bac skillfully directed a soaring header from Do Hung Dung’s delivery, sending it high over the helpless Zion Suzuki, with the Sint-Truiden goalie being only able to watch as the ball found the back of the net.
Despite Minamino missing the target with a shot from 20 yards midway through the half, it was Vietnam who made the next impact. Yukinari Sugawara’s foul on Dinh Bac provided Phan Tuan Tai with the chance to forcefully deliver the ball into the penalty area. This set up a header from Bui Hoang Viet Anh, which Suzuki managed to save, but Tuan Hai eagerly seized the opportunity to give Vietnam the lead.
Minamino, however, equalized once again, calmly finishing past Czech-born goalkeeper Filip Nguyen – playing his competitive international debut for Vietnam – after a precise delivery from Wataru Endo. Despite Junya Ito and Minamino testing Filip, it was Nakamura’s spectacular shot into the top corner that restored Japan’s lead.
The Vietnamese resistance was effectively extinguished, and in the 86th minute, Ueda’s deflected effort found the net, sealing the victory for Moriyasu’s team.
Sunday’s other matches saw Iran smashing Palestine 4-1 and the United Arab Emirates beating Hong Kong 3-1, with Phillip Chan claiming the Asian Cup’s 1000th goal while scoring what turned out to be Hong Kong’s consolation goal in the match.