Viet Nam come from behind to win 5-1 over S.Korea at Asian Cup opener

Head coach Diego Giustozzi was happy with the victory and believed that his players will show improvement in the next match of Group D.

Viet Nam conceded a goal 20 seconds into the match at the Saad Al Abdullah Hall. Shin Jong Hoon beat goalkeeper Ho Van Y with a finish from a narrow angle.

Viet Nam's tenacity saw them equalise a minute later before securing a two-goal advantage heading into the break after as Nguyen Minh Tri, Tran Thai Huy and Pham Duc Hoa found the net.

A further two goals in the second half by Thai Huy and Duc Hoa pushed Vietnam now lead the group, ahead of Saudi Arabia - who beat Japan 2-1 in another match - on goal difference.

"The first match is always the most difficult, but I'm very happy with my team," said Giustozzi.

"It was a tough game, but my team defended and attacked really well. I'm happy with the win because we performed well in an important match."

Giustozzi took charge of Viet Nam in August, and still hasn't fully assimilated into the team yet, but the Argentinian knows the players can only get better.

"What's important is ourselves. I like it when we play my way with and without the ball. We must keep improving, but the first match is always the most difficult."

"I believe this team can improve. I don't know my players, and my players don't know me yet, but we are taking it one match at a time, and we are looking for another victory now."

Vietnam, having reached the quarter-finals three times in five previous appearances, will go up against Saudi Arabia on September 30.

Saudi Arabia head coach Andreu Plaza admitted that Viet Nam were an unknown quantity, having appointed a new coach in August, but said his team are determined to reach the knockout stage for the first time.

"We don't know much about Vietnam, because we have never played against them before," said Plaza on the-afc.com.

"They also have a new coach. So today and tomorrow, we will make our preparations accordingly.

"On paper they are superior because of the ranking, but we don't know whether we will win, lose or draw. We will get ready for the game in the next two days and do our best."

Meanwhile Giustozzi was highly impressed by Saudi Arabia's win against Japan and said they will not be taking the West Asians lightly.

The Argentinian tactician, however, is familiar with Plaza's play style as they were rival coaches in the Spanish futsal league.

"A win against Japan is not easy," said Giustozzi. "I know a lot about their coach Andreu Plaza, we've played against one another before. So he knows me, I know him. But this is another situation now."/.