Head coach Philippe Troussier: “The Vietnam team will make every effort to get good results against Iraq”
Speaking at the press conference before the match with Iraq in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, head coach Philippe Troussier expressed confidence about the preparation of the Vietnam team. The French coach hopes that the team will receive support from the fans when playing at home, and affirmed that the team will make maximum efforts to get good results against strong opponents from West Asia.
20/11/2023 19:03:59
Head coach Philippe Troussier said: “Each match always has a different nature, depending on the opponent. Each opponent has a different playing style and my goal is to adjust accordingly to make things difficult for them. We are prepared. We will try our best to achieve good results. With home-field advantage, we will have the support of the fans.”
The French strategist said he had faced Iraq many times in his coaching career. Last March, he also led the U23 Vietnam to compete with the U23 Iraq at the Doha Cup friendly tournament. “I know Iraq and their position. It can be considered that Iraq is currently in the top 5 or 6 in Asia. Therefore, in theory, Iraq is rated higher than the Vietnam team. They have many experienced players who play football in Europe. They have also won the Asian championship. But that’s fine, my players will enter the game with the mindset of having nothing to lose, and the desire to prove everyone wrong. Three points against the Philippines gives my players more confidence. We will take advantage of the opportunity,” coach Philippe Troussier said.
Since taking charge of the Vietnam team, coach Philippe Troussier has tried to build a playing style based on the ability to control the ball. This is also a style of play that has many similarities with the Iraq team. When asked about this, coach Philippe Troussier said: “We are both from Europe so we are similar in the style”.
In the opening match on the field of the Philippines, coach Philippe Troussier chose a starting lineup that caused many surprises. The French coach even used six U23 players: Vo Minh Trong, Nguyen Thai Son, Phan Tuan Tai, Nguyen Van Tung, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Ho Van Cuong. However, the team was still confident in holding the ball and coordinating their attack. The team opened the score thanks to Nguyen Van Toan, before sealing a 2-0 victory from a shot by young talent Nguyen Dinh Bac in the extra minutes of the second half.
“I don’t have to choose players based on their names and what they have done in the past. My choosing is based on the ability to contribute to each match and each opponent,” the French coach said. “The striker not only scores goals but also contributes to the team and how he plays. It’s normal for every match to have players not allowed on the field, not even registered. I emphasize that I am not a coach who chooses players by name, but chooses according to the appropriate squad, for each match.”
Attending the press conference with head coach Philippe Troussier, young midfielder Nguyen Thai Son said: “Iraq is a strong opponent. They just beat Indonesia 5-1. The whole team carefully studies the opponent and prepares well for the match. The advantage of the Vietnam team is that we play at home and receive support from fans. The goal of the whole team is to try to do our best.”
Head coach Jesus Casas (Iraq team):
“Tomorrow’s match promises to be interesting, as both teams won in the first round. But this is a very important match. We find Vietnam very difficult to play, possessing a team of quality players and a playing style quite similar to ours, also focusing on ball control.”
“In the opening round, we won more goals than Vietnam, and had more time to rest, but that does not guarantee victory. Of course, we will play to get all three points. But Vietnam is the same, so I don’t expect to have an easy 90 minutes tomorrow.”
“I don’t think the weather has any effect on us or Vietnam. Vietnam has a huge advantage in support from the stands.”
Defender Doski responded about the Iraq team’s preparation: “I always try to play my best. We couldn’t always play perfectly and make no mistakes, but the whole team analyzed small points to improve for the next match.”
The match between the Vietnam team and the Iraq team will take place at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow (November 21) at My Dinh National Stadium. The Vietnam team will take the field in the traditional red jersey.
