“Nothing is impossible in race for top three”, insists Vietnam’s Tien Linh as China PR clash looms

“It is clear that after two losses, Vietnam are under pressure to get good results against both China and Oman, particularly as they are direct opponents for us in terms of finishing in the top three of Group B,” Tien Linh told the-AFC.com.

“So we are very motivated to do well in these matches. But this is the first time we have been part of this stage of the qualifiers, so we have to learn from the experience of playing better teams.

“We always prepare thoroughly for each game and play with the highest competitive spirit. The Vietnamese fans expect us to finish in the top three of Group B and, while this is difficult, nothing is impossible. We will never give up!”

Vietnam’s performance in a difficult group was one of the biggest stories of the second round of qualifiers as a much talked about generation of players finished above regional rivals Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia – and claimed a notable scalp in the UAE – to advance to the final round for the first time.

Becamex Binh Duong striker Tien Linh was among the stars of the show, netting the only goal of the game against the Emiratis in Hanoi and scoring five times to help the Goldens Stars progress as one of the five best-placed runners-up.

While the 23-year-old has yet to find the back of the net in the opening two Group B games, he is hoping that will change in the coming matches as Vietnam aim to reignite their campaign.

“Every player in every position is under pressure, but we always encourage and support each other to get over the pressure,” said Tien Linh

“The matches in the final phase [of qualifiers] are more difficult than the second phase. All of our opponents are ranked higher than Vietnam, so scoring is of course a big challenge.

“I’m trying to improve. As a striker, absolutely, my aim is to get on the scoresheet and I will try to do that. But the team’s strength is from unity, determination and spirit, and that is what helps us stay strong.”

Vietnam have never beaten China at senior level, having lost their last six encounters, with their most recent game coming in a 3-0 friendly defeat back in 2012.

But it is a mark of how far the Golden Stars have come under head coach Park Hang-seo that they go into Thursday’s match-up just 20 places below their opponents in the FIFA World Rankings.

Vietnam currently sit 95th and boast a team that many view as having their best years ahead of them.

“I think we don’t need to worry about the statistics because things change through time; it is true that we have never beaten China in a full international, but that is not the story at this moment,” noted Tien Linh.

“After two losses, China are also facing pressure to win and keep their chances alive in Group B. They are ranked higher than Vietnam so the pressure on them is bigger than us.

“They haven’t scored in their first two matches but up front Wu Lei can be very dangerous, so our defence must remain focused to prevent him causing us problems.”

“We are also confident in our preparations, and we will try to play well in the next match to meet the expectations of the Vietnamese fans.”

After facing China, Vietnam will make the short journey to Muscat to take on an Oman team that began their campaign with a stunning 1-0 win over Japan in Osaka before a narrow 1-0 loss to the Saudis.

“Oman really surprised us by beating Japan and then losing by just one goal to Saudi Arabia,” admitted Tien Linh.

“They also recently beat Nepal 7-2 in a friendly so we know they must have a good team spirit and lots of confidence. They are now a big challenge for any team, but all opponents are strong when you play at the highest level in Asia.

“I think the experience from the past two matches will help us prepare more carefully so we can aim for better results in the two games ahead.”