Japanese goalkeeper: 'I didn't expect Vietnam to score two goals'

Qatar According to goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, despite winning 4-2, Japan was surprised by Vietnam's ability in the opening match of the 2023 Asian Cup.

"It was a tough match," goalkeeper Suzuki told VnExpress after the match at Al Thumama Stadium. "I didn't expect to concede two goals. Both were from set pieces, so we clearly need to improve in such situations."

Goalkeeper Suzuki rushed out to block Tuan Hai's escape during Japan's 4-2 win over Vietnam at Ai Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar on January 14. Photo: Lam Thoa

Japan is the number one candidate for the 2023 Asian Cup championship as they are the highest-ranked Asian team on the FIFA scoreboard, at 17th place. They are also in the best form in the world recently, winning all 10 matches, including big wins against famous opponents such as Germany 4-1, Turkey 4-2, Syria 5-0 or Jordan 6-1...

But contrary to expectations, Japan could not easily win against Vietnam, a team 77 places below them on the FIFA rankings. After Minamino opened the scoring in the 11th minute, coach Hajime Moriyasu's team let Nguyen Dinh Bac and Pham Tuan Hai continuously score goals. However, with a squad of stars playing in Europe, the "Blue Samurai" successfully reversed the score to win 4-2.

In addition to the two goals scored, Vietnam also surprised Japan when the players confidently held the ball and played their game even when surrounded, instead of struggling to endure or trying to clear the ball far from the goal. At Al Thumama Stadium, Coach Troussier's team held the ball 41.6% of the time, launched 6 shots and did not commit any fouls that resulted in a yellow card throughout the match.

Suzuki added: "Vietnam's ball control skills are better than we thought. This reminds us that the Asian Cup is an unpredictable playground, anything can happen, the team needs to prepare more carefully.

Vietnam 2-4 Japan

Main events of the match Japan 4-2 Vietnam.

Suzuki, born in 2002 in the US, currently plays for Belgian club Sint-Truiden on loan from Urawa Reds. He became the youngest Japanese goalkeeper to play in the Asian Cup when he started in the match against Vietnam.

Japanese media said Suzuki was at fault for the second goal, when he failed to catch Bui Hoang Viet Anh's header, allowing Pham Tuan Hai to score from close range in the 33rd minute. But the 22-year-old goalkeeper insisted he was not at fault for that move. Suzuki explained: "The header bounced strongly and was a difficult situation, so I decided to punch the ball instead of trying to catch it. I thought I would catch the ball in the next move, but the opponent rushed in faster. Maybe I didn't move well."

"Honestly, no one in the team expected such a difficult match. Luckily, after falling behind, we played better, came back to win and are confident for the next matches," said the goalkeeper.

In the second match of Group D on January 19, Japan will meet Iraq, at Education City Stadium.

Lam Thoa

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