Ace Vietnamese striker Nguyen Cong Phuong earned high praise from the coaches of both his team and Australia after netting the only goal at the Group B opener of the 2014 Nutifood Cup in Hanoi on Friday night.

The 19-year-old forward scored a breathtaking goal 88 minutes into his first match at the tourney, also known as the Southeast Asia Under-19 Tournament, by shooting to the far corner of the goal after dribbling the ball past three Aussie opponents.

Aussie coach Paul Okon said he was particularly impressed by the number 10 player, calling him a great player, and “a game changer.”

Okon added that Vietnam can also be proud as they have a great team.

The Australian boss said both teams played well during the match, and attributed his team’s defeat to their failure to convert their opportunities into goals.

Vietnam had a greater advantage with their many training sessions prior to the match, while Australia only played nine friendly games in six months, he added.

Okon, however, appeared optimistic, saying that everything is on the right track.

Vietnam’s coach, Guillaume Graechen, also praised his players.

Cong Phuong deserved his plaudits, as he performed impressively and created exciting moments, the coach said.

Graechen also hailed the Aussies as a disciplined team, adding the game had ended “as we all expected.”

The 2014 Nutifood Cup includes the U-19 teams of Vietnam, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Japan.

The tourney runs from September 5 to 13 in Hanoi.

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