Although Viet Nam’s journey at the ongoing 2019 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup has now ended following a 0-1 defeat to Japan on January 24, the national team and goalkeeper Dang Van Lam in particular earned praises from international media.

Vietnamese players (in red) (Source: VNA)

In an article entitled “Viet Nam dream ends as Japan benefit from VAR”, football website Fox Sports Asia wrote that despite being underdogs for the match, Viet Nam’s players had shown remarkable determination in driving the ball forwards.

“The Vietnamese just found themselves with too big a hurdle to overcome against one of the tournament favourites, as they bowed out following a brave charge,” the author, football editor Gabriel Tan, added.

In particular, he lauded the performance of Vietnamese goalie Dang Van Lam, saying that he was in excellent form, parrying Genki Haraguchi’s cross-shot away from the bottom corner, before saving a shot from Takumi Minamino in a one-on-one situation.

Many newspapers praised Viet Nam’s bravery against Japan in the quarterfinal match. The Sanspo said Japan faced tough opponents with solid defence. Viet Nam were also quick to pull a dangerous counterattack with the noteworthy individual skills of striker Nguyen Cong Phuong, it added.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s The Star newspaper said Viet Nam launched numerous attacks against Japan throughout the match. Notably, Cong Phuong may have had an opportunity to score in the 89th minute as he opened himself up, unmarked, just outside of the box, however he failed to equalise.

(Source: VNA)