Indonesia Waswas, Vietnam Mampu Repotkan Jepang

Japanese players celebrate goals in the match against Vietnam in the 2023 Asian Cup. (X/@afcasiancup)

JAKARTA - Vietnam played extraordinary despite having to admit Japan's 4-2 advantage in the 2023 Asian Cup Group D match at Al Thumama Stadium, Sunday, January 14 evening WIB.

Vietnam gave a warning to Indonesia, a team of fellow Southeast Asians, who were in Group D. In the first match, Vietnam was not inferior at all when they met the leading team, Japan.

Despite facing the opponent who holds the jnuara Asia four times and has players scattered in Europe, Vietnam still appears confident.

Japan itself was strengthened by a row of top players, Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Takumi Minamino (Monaco), Keito Nakamura (Reims) to Takefusa Kubo who played for Real Sociedad.

Can the Indonesian national team serve the Blue Samurai? It's not an easy matter because Indonesia's status is the underdog and cheerful. Indonesia has not 'upgraded' as a dark horse that can make a surprise.

In the match against Vietnam, Endo et al who were handled by local coach Hajime Moriyasu had difficulty.

However, Japan took the lead after Minamino broke into Vietnam's goal. The former Liverpool player took advantage of the rebound ball in the 11th minute.

Only Japan's advantage did not last long. Vietnam shows the spirit of never giving up.

It only took them five minutes to equalize the score through Nguyen Dinh Bac. Dinh Bac's header failed to reach the Zion Suzuki goalkeeper

Even Vietnam took the lead after Pham Tuan Hai successfully broke into the Japanese goal in the 33rd minute. Vietnam won 2-1 which made coach Philippe Troussier smile satisfied.

Troussier is none other than a former Japanese national team coach. This French coach once led Japan to win the 2000 Asian Cup.

Japan quickly rose and suppressed Vietnam's defense. Their efforts were not in vain. Minamino scored a brace that changed the score to 2-2 in the 45th minute. The goal was created through the collaboration of Minamino and Endo.

Furthermore, in injury time in the first half, it was Minamino's turn to make an assist and completed by Keito Nakamura through a fantastic kick. The score changed to 3-2 for Japan and lasted until the end of the first half.

Entering the second half, Japan did not reduce the tempo of the game. But Vietnam tried to catch up.

It's just that their efforts were fruitless. On the other hand, Japan was able to add goals. This time, Ayase Ueda scored in the 85th minute. Kubo gave the assist so that Japan won 4-2.