Taipei Times
Date: Mar 23, 2017
By: Jason Pan / Staff reporter

Taiwan last night fought off a tough challenge from Vietnam to hold on for a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium, with the result likely to bolster the national squad’s confidence ahead of their home clash against Turkmenistan in an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifier on Sunday.

Taiwan’s starting back four, anchored by Yaki Yen, the Taiwanese-Spanish fullback who plays for Changchun Yatai FC in China’s top division, provided the defensive spine for the national squad, managing to keep attack-minded Vietnam players in check throughout the game.

Taiwan goalkeeper Chiu Yu-hung had a busy match, with the hosts’ forays into the visitors’ half resulting in numerous good opportunities in front of the goal area, but they could not convert.

It was mostly one-way traffic through most of the proceedings, with Vietnam’s players keen to impress home fans and seeking a big win against Taiwan.    [FULL  STORY]