PM encourages national squad ahead of Asian Cup quarterfinal clash

Ahead of his departure for Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2019, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has made a personal call to Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo and his players, encouraging them to be confident in the upcoming Asian Cup quarterfinal clash.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc

The Golden Dragons have cruised into the last eight of the continental showpiece after beating Jordan 4-2 on penalties in their Round of 16 encounter, which had finished 1-1 after extra time, on January 20.

Next up for Park’s troops will be a crunch encounter against powerhouse Japan, who edged out Saudi Arabia 1-0 thanks to an early header by defender Takehiro Toniyasu.

Over the phone, PM Phuc again praised the Vietnamese squad’s Asian Cup quarterfinal berth as an encouraging result, which has met with the sentiments of home fans and fulfilled the goal set ahead of the tournament.

Vietnam have surprised the whole Asia by beating Jordan to advance to the quarterfinals of the continental showpiece.

He encouraged the players to head into the quarterfinal game with a comfortable psychology, solidarity and strong confidence, asking them to perform to the best of their abilities and continue showing and spreading Vietnamese spirit as in the previous matches.

Home fans always stand side by side and support the whole national team, the Government leader affirmed.

The Vietnam-Japan quarterfinal will take place at the Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai, on January 24 at 8pm (Vietnamese time).