Vietnam resolve to earn points in World Cup qualification
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s national football team have lost all five opening matches of the third qualifying round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and they have maintained their target of winning points in the remaining five matches, starting with the clash with Saudi Arabia in Hanoi on November 16.
Just after their 0-1 defeat to Japan on November 11, Vietnamese footballers gathered together in Hanoi for training to pursue their quest.
Head coach Park Hang-seo stated that the Vietnamese team will not give up their hope under any circumstances.
The Korean coach has made changes to the squad, with newcomer Quan Van Chuan replacing injured goalkeeper Nguyen Van Toan and striker Ho Thanh Minh returning to the Vietnamese U22 squad.
The November 16 clash with Saudi Arabia would be considered a big test for Park after Vietnam’s losing streak in the previous five matches.
In their first leg match on September 3, Vietnam took the lead but were finally outperformed by powerhouses Saudi Arabia that now top Group B with 13 points after four wins and one draw.
Vietnam play in Group B alongside Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, Oman and China. Many commentators admit that there is a widening gap between Vietnam and their opponents, and it is difficult for Vietnam to earn points.
To bridge the gap the Vietnam Football Federation has no choice but to develop a long-term strategy to train talented young footballers, they said.
