The emotional journey of the Vietnamese team ended at the hands of Japan after the 1-0 loss in the quarterfinals, but the Reds tried their best against the continental power house and deserved to receive praise for their amazing run at the UAE tournament.
With their wholehearted dedication and fighting spirit to overcome challenges against strong rivals throughout the tourney, the players received much love and compliments from the home fans on their return home.
At 2:20 pm this afternoon, the aircraft carrying the squad and coaching staff safely landed at Noi Bai airport. After landing, the players will spend their holidays with their families for the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet). Meanwhile, coach Park Hang-seo will move straight to Hang Day Stadium to watch Vietnam U22's friendly match against Ulsan Hyundai club from the Republic of Korea later this evening.
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Park and his players had an amazing tournament, despite their narrow 1-0 loss to powerhouse Japan in the quarterfinals. (Photo: VNE)
The U22 team are a newly established youth squad led by coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan. They are the core force representing Vietnamese football to attend the next two major tournaments in 2019, including the 2019 AFF U-22 Youth Championship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in February and the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Philippines later this year.
Earlier, thousands of fans were waiting outside the airport with national flags to welcome the team. All were eager to see their heroes return home after setting a landmark at the Asian Cup 2019.
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Thousands of fans waited outside the airport to cheer on the team on their return. (Photo: VNE)
After stepping down from the plane, coach Park Hang-seo and his players attended a honouring ceremony at Noi Bai Airport before boarding the bus to go home to celebrate Tet with their families.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Ngoc Thien, joined other senior officials at the airport to welcome and congratulate the team. They conveyed their sincere thanks for the efforts by Park’s side for continuously bringing glory back home for the country’s football.
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Vietnamese players receive lucky money from Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Ngoc Thien, wishing them good luck for the upcoming Tet. (Photo: zing.vn)
Sharing with the press, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, who stared in the match against Japan with numerous saves, said: "After returning, the team are a bit tired but everyone is very happy as we have received a warm welcome from the fans."
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Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam stars in the match against Japan with numerous saves. (Photo: VNE)
"The family is waiting for the players to come back. This year, I will celebrate Tet in Vietnam and this will be a happy and cozy Tet. We wish all fans a happy and healthy Tet holiday with the family," said the Vietnamese top choice goalkeeper.
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Fans cheering on the team on their return. (Photo: tienphong.vn)
