VOV.VN - The September 27 friendly match between Vietnam and India at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City is considered a prime opportunity to improve the cohesion of the Vietnamese national men’s football team following a long period of having no fixtures.
Vietnam require a draw to become the champions of the ongoing international friendly tournament – Hung Thinh 2022, while India must win the match in order to become the winners.
Going into the game it is highly likely that Korean head coach Park Hang-seo will make changes to the starting line-up compared to Vietnam’s September 22 game against Singapore.
Vietnam’s strongest line-up includes goalkeeper Nguyen Van Toan, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong, midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, and defenders Que Ngoc Hai and Do Hung Dung, all of whom are likely to play the match on the evening of September 27.
After months of not playing together, the team need a few friendly matches to warm up and create a stronger bond ahead of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup 2022 due to start this December. Indeed, several players need this match to regain their confidence, such as Quang Hai who has returned from France’s Pau FC and Doan Van Hau who has recently returned from injuries.
Meanwhile, the Indian team also face several difficulties. Croatian head coach Igor Stimac is now entrusted with developing a new team centered on key player Sunil Chhetri, 38. India took on Vietnam twice, in 2004 and 2010, and the veteran player scored a hat-trick for India in a 3-1 win over Vietnam in 2010.
The upcoming match is therefore expected to serve as a helpful experience for the Indian players as they seek to build towards regional football tournaments.