Doniga: 'Vietnam point' a strong boost for 'Al-Olimpi'
David Doniga addresses the errors from the first match against Vietnam in preparation for the clash with Uzbekistan at the 2026 Asian Games.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Spanish coach David Doniaga and his staff are addressing the mistakes from the opening match against Vietnam as the Olympic national team prepares for tomorrow’s clash with Uzbekistan in the second round of Group C of the football tournament at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. In the other Group C match, Vietnam will face the Philippines.
Doniaga expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance after the 1-1 draw with Vietnam in the opening round, noting that the Blue Team played just five days after he took charge and attempted to implement tactical ideas they had rehearsed during a short preparation period, despite injuries and forced changes in the squad, as well as the absence of three players who were unable to enter Japan due to travel document procedures.
The Blue Team’s coach pointed out that Vietnam applied significant attacking pressure, registering 27 shots on goal, and praised the performance of goalkeeper Abdulridha Al-Shaheb and the defensive line. He added that Kuwait came close to securing all three points after taking the lead in the 79th minute, only for the opponent to equalize a minute later.
Doniaga emphasized that earning a point in the opening match provided a good boost for the team, stressing the importance of continuing work and preparing for the upcoming encounter with Uzbekistan, which tops the group after their 5-1 victory over the Philippines.
For his part, Vietnam coach Dinh Hong Vinh expressed regret at not securing a win, noting that his team created several chances, registering 27 shots including six on target, but managed to convert only one. He explained that the limited preparation time, due to players’ commitments in the Vietnamese league, affected the team’s preparations, alongside heavy rain on matchday that impacted passing and movement in the attacking third.
Vinh highlighted that his players handled the early deficit well and managed to equalize quickly, stressing the need to address the issue of missed opportunities before facing the Philippines.
