Vietnam’s national football team received a hero’s welcome as they returned home following the Asian Cup at the weekend.

 



Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien greets the national football team as they arrived at Noi Bai International Airport on Saturday. (Photo: VNA).

As the team landed at Noi Bai International Airport, hundreds of fans were there to meet them.

The men’s team narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-final after losing 1-0 to Japan last week in the United Arab Emirates.

They were also greeted by representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Vietnam Sports Administration.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien congratulated and thanked the whole team. Later, he gave lucky money to each player.

Head coach Park Hang-seo and captain Que Ngoc Hai led the team through the airport.

Players will spendthe Tetholiday with their families and relatives, but coach Park went straight to Hang Day Stadium to watch a friendly match between Vietnam’s U22 team and Ulsan Huyndai Club from the Republic of Korea which finished 0-0.

Speaking to the media, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam said the team felt tired after returning, but all players were emotional after the warm welcome they received from fans.

"Our families are all waiting for us to come home,” he said. "This year, I will spendTetin Vietnam and it will be a joyful and cosy time. I wish all fans have a jolly and healthy Tet with their families.”

According to coach Park, the U22 team will be his main focus this year as they are the future of Vietnamese football aiming for a place at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Another target is winning the SEA Games 2019, held in Philippines from November 30 to December 10.

The national team will also gather for the qualifying round of World Cup 2022, in September.

The coach believes his team is in their best form so they do not fear other strong rivals like Australia or Uzbekistan.

To prepare for World Cup 2022, the national team will play at the East Asian Football Championship(EAFF), meeting the Republic of Korea.

From June 1 to 9, the team will also join Kirin Cup in Japan, a tournament of only three teams.

The first qualifying round of World Cup Asian region will have three stages, starting in September.

Vietnam will play six matches this year, with three at My Dinh National Stadium. This will be a chance for fans to see the new faces chase qualification to the World Cup.

Source: VNA

 


Related Topics


The steam volleyball tournament for the Women's Union officials at all levels

During the two days, November 7 - 8, the Provincial Women's Union organized the steam volleyball tournament for the officials of the Women's Union at all levels of Hoa Binh province in 2024. There was the attendance of Mr. Bui Tien Luc, the member of the Standing Committee, the Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Commission for Mass Mobilization.

Ngo Luong commune won the first prize in the traditional marathon tournament of Tan Lac district

On October 31st, the Culture, Sports and Communications Center of Tan Lac district coordinated with the District’s Youth Union to organize the 2024 traditional marathon tournament of the district.

There are many expectations for the traditional marathon tournament of the XXXII Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup

After the 2024 Traditional Marathon Tournament, Luong Son district has established a team with many high-ranking runners, focusing on fostering, training and being ready to compete at the XXXI Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup Traditional Marathon Tournament in 2024.

Hoa Binh hosts National Road Cycling Championship 2024

Taking place from October 9 to 20 in Hoa Binh City, the National Road and Mountain Bike Championships 2024 attracted hundreds of young athletes from provinces and cities across the country.

Hoa Binh FC shares the points in the opening match

In the afternoon of October 26th, at Hoa Binh Provincial Stadium, Hoa Binh Football Club (Hoa Binh FC) had a confrontation with Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc Club in the framework of round 1 – the First National Division Football Tournament in 2024 - 2025.

Nearly 150 athletes participated in the Volleyball Championship of Hoa Binh Province

In the morning of October 22nd, at Yen Thuy District’s Stadium, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinated with Yen Thuy District’s People's Committee to organize the opening ceremony of the 2024 Volleyball Championship of Hoa Binh province.