Japan ‘taught a lesson’ in beating Vietnam in six-goal thriller at Asian Cup

DOHA – Japan were “taught a lesson” after coming from behind to beat Vietnam 4-2 in their Asian Cup Group D opener in a thrilling encounter on Jan 14 at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Five goals were scored in the first half with Takumi Minamino grabbing a brace in the win in Doha.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said: “The reality with Vietnam today has taught us a lesson, that no game would be easy at the Asian Cup. It’s lucky that my players kept calm and adjusted to the situation to gain a victory.”

Japan, four-time champions who last won the event in 2011, were shocked into action when Vietnam took a 2-1 lead before the Samurai Blue cut their South-east Asian opponents down to size with two goals just before half-time.

Vietnam’s resistance after kick-off lasted all of 11 minutes before Japan scored, with Minamino being in the right place at the right time to pounce on a rebound and guide the ball through a crowd of players into the net.

But world No. 94 Vietnam shocked 17th-ranked Japan with an equaliser five minutes later from a corner, when Nguyen Dinh Bac – running away from goal – directed a glancing header that looped over goalkeeper Zion Suzuki at the far post.

As the game opened up and with both sides creating chances, it was Vietnam who took the lead through Pham Tuan Hai in the 33rd minute.

The goal sparked wild celebrations and Vietnam coach Philippe Troussier, who guided Japan to the title in 2000, allowed himself a wry smile.

But their lead did not last long, as Minamino scored again on the stroke of half-time when he was released into the box by skipper Wataru Endo.

Said Minamino: “We let them turn the game around after we went ahead. I wanted to help the team any way I could, and (the goal) went in at a good time of the match, right before half-time.”

Japan stepped up their urgency and quickly restored their lead just before the break when Keito Nakamura scored a fantastic goal from the edge of the box, curling his shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Filip Nguyen’s outstretched hand.

Said Nakamura: “I was intent on having a good swing at it once I received the pass. I’m happy it found the gap nicely.”

The goal took the sting out of Vietnam and they failed to muster attacks in the second half as Suzuki cut a lone figure in Japan’s half with most of the action on the other side of the pitch.

Japan then put the game out of Vietnam’s reach when Ayase Ueda scored their fourth in the 85th minute.

Troussier, who was without several injured key players, said: “I’m pleased with today’s game. If we talk about ranking and form, Japan are truly a giant... I think losing 4-2 will benefit us plenty compared to losing 2-0.”

Meanwhile, China coach Aleksandar Jankovic said his players were feeling the “stress” after they opened their campaign with a 0-0 draw against debutants Tajikistan in the late game on Jan 13.

The stalemate at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha heaped more embarrassment on a team rocked by a football graft scandal at home, but they might have snatched an undeserved win.

Finalists in 1984 and 2004, world No. 79 China were largely outplayed by the 106th-ranked team but were left fuming after a late header from Zhu Chenjie was ruled out by a video assistant referee intervention.

Boos from the China fans rang out briefly at the end.

Jankovic refused to blame the officials – “you don’t solve problems with tears and crying” – but admitted his players were feeling the pressure.

“Managing the stress of a big competition is not a new topic in general,” said the Serb.

“Many teams have the same problem and we have been talking a lot about this.”

In a late game on Jan 14, the United Arab Emirates beat Hong Kong 3-1 in their Group C opener. REUTERS, AFP