The Japanese national football team kicked off their campaign in the 2023 Asian Cup with a win over Vietnam, 4-2, on Sunday in the first round of Group 4.
The Japanese squad went ahead with a goal scored by Takumi Minamino in the 11th minute, only for the Vietnamese team to equalize in the 16th minute through Nguyen Dinh Trong.
Vietnam managed to score a second goal in the 33rd minute by Tuan Hai Pham, but Japan immediately responded with two consecutive goals by Minamino in the last minute of the first half, and Kaito Nakamura in the 4th minute of stoppage time for the first half.
In the second half, Japan solidified their lead with a fourth goal by Ayase Ueda in the 85th minute.
The Japanese team earned their first three points in the tournament, while Vietnam was left without points.
Vietnam quickly realizes the equalizer.
The Japanese team realizes the draw. Minamino scores his second personal goal of the match. The excitement continues in the Japan vs. Vietnam match.
Nakamura gives the third goal to Japan with a fantastic shot. The excitement continues in the Japan vs. Vietnam match.
The Japanese team seals the match by scoring their fourth goal.
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 14, 2024
