Co-hosts Vietnam shocked the Asian football world with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates in their Asian Cup Group B opener in Hanoi. Second-half goals from Huynh Quang Thanh and Le Cong Vinh sparked wild celebrations for Vietnam, who are making their first appearance in the finals since the former Republic of Vietnam competed in the 1960 tournament.
"We were a little lucky but we deserved to win," Vietnam coach coach Alfred Riedl told Reuters. "This has already caused a sensation but it's only one win." The Austrian added: "I can't go around shouting about this too much. We are not a big team but we never go out to lose a game."
"We were a little lucky but we deserved to win," Vietnam coach coach Alfred Riedl told Reuters. "This has already caused a sensation but it's only one win." The Austrian added: "I can't go around shouting about this too much. We are not a big team but we never go out to lose a game."