Japan survives Vietnam scare to start Asian Cup title bid
14 Jan 2024
The Japan Times
Doha –
Asian Cup favorites Japan survived a scare in their tournament opener on Sunday against Vietnam before winning 4-2 in a roller-coaster clash.
Hajime Moriyasu's side is looking for a record-extending fifth Asian title and looked set for a comfortable start to their campaign in Qatar when Takumi Minamino gave them an 11th-minute lead.
But Vietnam, which is coached by Japan's 2000 Asian Cup-winning boss Philippe Troussier, turned the game on its head with two goals midway through the first half.
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