Preview – Group F: Iraq v Vietnam
“Through the match against the Philippines, we have seen the possibility of advancing. We come to Iraq with a bit of hope. We have prepared very well to face a very strong Iraq team and play at home with 65 thousand spectators. But we are also a strong team and come here with the goal of winning. I hope the Vietnam national team will achieve that result,” Coach Kim Sang Sik opened the press conference, in front of quite a crowd of local reporters.”
When asked more about the preparation of the Vietnamese national team, Coach Kim Sang Sik said: “We arrived in Iraq two days ago. The weather is very hot and it’s difficult to adapt to these conditions. But we came here with hope and the goal of winning. The players are trying their best. Vietnamese people are very resilient and will overcome difficulties. We will play very well in tomorrow’s match.”
The new head coach of the Vietnam national team further shared: “We have lost to Iraq in our two most recent encounters. But at that time, I was not leading the team. I only know that now we have prepared thoroughly and hope for a victory tomorrow.”
Assessing the opponent Iraq, Coach Kim Sang Sik evaluated the players of the opposing team as having very good physical and technical abilities. “In addition to short passing, they also focus on striker Aymen Hussein, who is performing very well. We will continue to monitor Iraq and analyze, being cautious of the players we need to pay attention to. Hopefully, through these analyses, our players will perform well in tomorrow’s match.”
During the press conference, the local media showed considerable interest in how the Vietnamese national team would adapt to the sweltering weather in Basra. In response to this, Coach Kim Sang Sik simply chuckled and joked, “I just want to win and return to Vietnam as soon as possible.”
Also attending the press conference with Coach Kim Sang Sik, defender Bui Hoang Viet Anh said, “We have been preparing for this match for the past 3 days. The whole team is very focused to have a good preparation and try our best against Iraq. The weather here is very hot and we will have to play under the pressure of a large number of spectators. It’s really challenging for the Vietnam national team. However, the coaching staff has also prepared many strategies for the team entering the match. Iraq is very strong, but we will make every effort, maximize our own abilities to achieve a good result.”
Venue: Basra International Stadium (Basra)
