Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changzhou: In the wake of Vietnam’s historic qualification for the AFC U23 Championship 2018 semi-finals, Nguyen Quang Hai has been quick to praise head coach Park Hang-seo for the team’s success.
Vietnam qualified for the tournament in China as one of the second-best teams.
They subsequently fought their way through the group stage to earn a second-place finish in Group D, courtesy of Quang Hai's goals against Australia and Korea Republic, and the self-belief instilled by Park.
“The coach has given us confidence,” exclaimed the 20-year-old.
“He helped us believe in ourselves and to give everything in every match.”
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changshu: Vietnam coach Park Hang-Seo insists his players have proven their ability against Asia’s elite after reaching the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Championship 2018 with a penalty shootout win over Iraq on Saturday.
Vietnam defeated the former champions 5-3 penalties after an extraordinary 120 minutes of action ended in a 3-3 draw that saw the lead change three times before Park’s players advanced via the shootout.
The win highlighted the progress being made by the Vietnamese, who saw off Australia in the group phase before defeating a nation that won the first edition of the competition and who went on to finish third – and qualify for the Olympic Games – in 2016.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changzhou: Head coach Park Hang-seo is adamant that the pressure is continuing to mount on Vietnam as they prepare for Tuesday’s AFC U23 Championship semi-final against Qatar.
Park’s young charges have made headlines around the world following a creditable second-place finish in Group D, and then a nail-biting penalty shootout success which saw them beat Iraq in the quarter-finals.
With an appearance in the tournament’s final only 90 minutes away, Park insists that the tournament’s surprise package now have just as much to lose as their more experienced opponents.
“After our opening (group stage) game against Korea Republic, we immediately felt the pressure,” he said.
“We know Qatar are a very strong team and that Tuesday’s match is obviously key to reaching the final. Because of that, the game has equal importance for both teams, and the pressure is as much on us as it Qatar.
“Both myself and my players must be at our very best what is a vital game against a quality side such as Qatar.”
The last eight encounter will be the fifth fixture in a short period for both sides, but despite the strain being put on his squad, Park believes Vietnam are more than up to the task.
“I think that physically we will be fine,” explained the 61-year-old, who hails from Korea Republic.
“They have made a lot of effort, but my players have a terrific spirit and we will use that spirit to overcome any physical issues we may have in the game against Qatar.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Changzhou: With Vietnam joining Korea Republic, Qatar and Uzbekistan in the AFC U23 Championship 2018 semi-finals, join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how each side reached the last four.
AFC U23 Championship semi-final fixtures (kick-off times are local):
Qatar v Vietnam
Venue: Changzhou Olympic Sports Center
Date: January 23
Kick-off: 1600 hrs
Uzbekistan v Korea Republic
Venue: Kunshan Sports Center
Date: January 23
Kick-off: 1930 hrs
Qatar