Viet Nam News
HA NOI — Viet Nam’s national football team have earned total prize money of around VND12 billion (US$522,000) for their excellent performance at the ongoing AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Viet Nam emerged victorious after a penalty shootout with Jordan to become the first team to reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals on Sunday after being the last side to scrape into the round of 16.
With this win, the squad will receive more than VND7 billion ($304,000) from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, five domestic banks and one other firm.
Viet Nam received VND1.5 billion ($65,200) for their efforts in the qualifying round, including VND1 billion ($43,500) from the Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) and VND500 million ($21,700) from a member of the VFF.
For taking part in the Asian Cup, each team will receive $200,000 from the organising board.
If the Vietnamese squad reach the semi-finals, they will receive an additional $1 million from the organising board.
Viet Nam will next face Japan or Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals on January 24.
This is the second time Viet Nam has earned the right to compete in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup. Twelve years ago, Viet Nam, under the guidance of coach Alfred Riedl, entered the Asian Cup 2007’s quarter-finals.
After Viet Nam beat Jordan, minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Ngoc Thien, sent a letter of congratulations.
“Millions of fans are very happy and proud of Viet Nam’s performance at the Asian Cup. This result is a priceless gift which Viet Nam will bring home,” said Thien.
“With unity, skill and spirit, Viet Nam played courageously to take a convincing win and become one of the best eight teams in Asia. This determination and energy demonstrates the beauty of Vietnamese people: rising from hardship,” Thien added.
Thien also thanked South Korean head coach Park and members of the training staff for their contribution to Vietnamese football. He thanked the fans for their great support for the team over the competition. — VNS