Vietnam lose 2 - 4 to Japan at AFC Asian Cup opener
The Vietnamese men’s national football team lost 2 - 4 to Japan in their 2023 AFC Asian Cup opener on January 14, but the two goals against Asia’s No. 1 team were still considered beyond expectations.
Nguyen Dinh Bac (No 15) and other players of Vietnam celebrate the leveling goal in the first half of the game against Japan. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese men’s nationalfootball team lost 2 - 4 to Japan in their 2023 AFC Asian Cup opener on January14, but the two goals against Asia’s No. 1 team were still considered beyondexpectations.
After Japan scored the opening goal in the 12th minute, Nguyen Dinh Bac headed backwards into Japan’s net to equalise forVietnam four minutes later.
Vietnam went in front in the 33rd minute, courtesy of Pham Tuan Hai,who tapped in the rebounded shot from a corner.
However, Japan continually scored two more goals after thatto conclude the first half in 3 - 2.
The Vietnamese team in their 2023 AFC Asian Cup opener on January 14. (Photo: VNA)
In the second half, Vietnamese players showed confidence butstill failed to keep their net safe from the stronger rivals, who found theirfourth goal in the 85th minute.
The two goals for Vietnamwere said to be beyond expectations, and the low-deficit defeat was acceptableand still a successful start for the team at the continent’sbiggest football tournament in Qatar.
In Group D, after the game against Japan at AlThumama Stadium, Vietnam will face Indonesia on January 19 and then Iraq onJanuary 24./.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has recognised Vietnamese striker Pham Tuan Hai as one of the top players to keep an eye on during the upcoming AFC Asian Cup finals in Qatar.
The upcoming encounter between the Vietnamese and Indonesian national football teams, amid an array of 36 matches across six groups, has secured a spot in the list of the top five most eagerly awaited in the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup, as recognised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Head coach Philippe Troussier announced the list of 26 footballers for the 2023 Asian Cup finals right after the training session of the national men’s team in Qatar on January 11 evening.
A delegation of the Vietnamese Embassy in Qatar led by Ambassador Tran Duc Hung visited and offered encouragement to Vietnamese footballers on January 12, two days ahead of the team’s first match at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup finals.
Despite facing Asian powerhouse Japan in their opening match of the 2023 Asian Cup on January 14, head coach Philippe Troussier believed his side can cause an upset.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
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For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
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The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
Nguyen Dinh Bac (No 15) and other players of Vietnam celebrate the leveling goal in the first half of the game against Japan. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
The Vietnamese team in their 2023 AFC Asian Cup opener on January 14. (Photo: VNA) 
