AFC U17 Asian Cup
Roland’s charges had to fight tooth and nail to salvage the point in a match that saw Japan - who took the lead through Minato Yoshida in the 13th minute - comfortably in control as the Vietnamese tactician had expected from the four-time champions.
#AFCU17 | Group B: Vietnam 1-1 Japan
“We know it will be tough when we play against a big team like Japan who are strong and have the power to play consistently for 90 minutes,” said Roland.
“In the second half we tried to change something and we managed to score and get one point.”
His introduction of the lanky Tran Gia Bao paid dividends after the forward showed a good burst of pace to get to the ball ahead of Ibuki Ejike before being bundled over by the Japanese custodian.
It was the second match running in which the Vietnam No 10 had been used from the bench with Roland explaining that it’s part of his tactics which had full buy-in from the squad.
“It's a strategy. Football is about strategy. My players know me and believe in my ideas. All the players are prepared to play five, 15 or half an hour when required.
“At the end, what the team needs is the most important and all my players understand this.”
With two consecutive draws, Vietnam kept themselves in the hunt for a quarter-final spot while Japan - who beat United Arab Emirates in their opener - lead the group
Head coach Nozomi Hiroyama rued the momentary lapse of concentration from his charges but accepted it as part of the learning curve for youth players.
“The game is 90 minutes long, when you lose focus for even just one moment, things can change in a blink of an eye,” said Hiroyama. “Even though we controlled most of the game, in the end we have to accept the result.”
Thursday’s Group B deciders will see Japan face Australia while Vietnam will battle against the United Arab Emirates.
