Head coach Diego Giustozzi satisfied with two trial matches against the Afghanistan futsal national team
During preparations for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Finals, the Vietnam futsal national team played two high-quality internal matches against the Afghanistan futsal national team in Ho Chi Minh City. Through these encounters, head coach Diego Giustozzi highly valued the professional significance of the “tests”, while also pointing out specific requirements in terms of physical condition, experience, and competitive mentality that the team must continue to improve before stepping onto the continental stage.
22/01/2026 10:31:44
Assessing the outcomes of the two recent matches against Afghanistan, head coach Diego Giustozzi said: “Playing two matches against Afghanistan showed us clearly both the areas we need to improve and the current capabilities of the team. I have no doubts about the players’ technical quality, but we cannot rely on technique alone. We need to be more aggressive, more experienced, and have a better understanding of each match situation. Afghanistan recently participated in the World Cup, so this is exactly the level required to reach that stage. I am satisfied because after these matches, we can clearly identify our objectives and know what we must continue to improve.”
The Argentine coach emphasized that the recent fixtures carried important orientation value for the next phase of preparation. “When facing Southeast Asian teams such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, or Myanmar, the physical and technical levels are relatively similar. However, against other Asian opponents with different physical foundations and playing quality, we must raise our level. These two matches have helped me better understand how we should work in the coming days to prepare for games against opponents of that caliber,” coach Diego Giustozzi added.
Regarding the return of alas Trần Thái Huy and Châu Đoàn Phát after injury, head coach Diego Giustozzi expressed his satisfaction as the players were able to get back on the court and gradually regain their match rhythm. “I am very happy that they were able to get the necessary playing time. Thái Huy surprised me — although he is not yet at his best, he played with great confidence and showed no fear. Đoàn Phát still needs more time, but I can clearly see his improvement from the first match to the second. Step by step, we need them to be ready to compete at the upcoming Asian Finals.”
According to the plan, the Vietnam futsal national team will depart for Indonesia on January 24 to take part in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Finals. Before departure, head coach Diego Giustozzi will finalize the official squad of 14 players.
At the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Finals, Vietnam are drawn in Group B alongside highly rated opponents, including defending Asian runners-up Thailand, Kuwait, and Lebanon. This is considered a highly competitive group, requiring thorough preparation in terms of physical fitness, tactics, and competitive mentality if coach Diego Giustozzi and his players are to achieve their set objectives.
