Vietnam Olympic team eliminated early, coach Hoang Anh Tuan takes responsibility

"As head coach, I take responsibility for the failure of the Vietnam Olympic team", coach Hoang Anh Tuan wrote on social networks.

Vietnam Olympic team failed to pass the group stage of men's football at ASIAD 19. Previously, the last time a representative of Vietnamese football team failed to make it to the knockout round of the Asian Games was in 2006.

With the core force of U20 players, Vietnam Olympic team did not perform well in all 3 matches. Coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his team won 4-2 against Mongolia, lost 0-4 to Iran and lost 1-3 to Saudi Arabia. In particular, in the 2 defeats against strong opponents from West Asia, Vietnam Olympic team clearly showed their lack of skills, physical strength and experience.

"Obviously, at this point, in addition to the role of the coaching staff, the quality of our young players, with an average age of 20.3, is still far behind the top teams in the continent, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. Their level is too terrible!"Coach Hoang Anh Tuan explained.

The head coach of Vietnam Olympic team added:"For Vietnamese football to go far, we must continue to put our trust in young players and commit to taking responsibility when results are not as expected. Thank you to fans across the country."

Before the final match last night (September 24), the Vietnam Olympic team was in a difficult position in the competition for a place in the men's football event of the 19th ASIAD. Facing a stronger opponent in every aspect, the Saudi Arabia Olympic team, the Vietnam Olympic team had to be very lucky not to lose badly.

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan’s players were forced into a defensive position right from the start of the match. Vietnam Olympic team clearly showed their lack of skills and experience in every move.

Saudi Arabia kept the ball, coordinated and created chances easily despite facing a crowded defense. Vietnam was down 0-1 for most of the match and conceded 2 more goals at the end of the match. Vietnam's goal to reduce the score was an own goal.