Vietnam Olympic team is ready for the first challenge at ASIAD 19
On the afternoon of September 17, the Vietnam Olympic team under the guidance of head coach Hoang Anh Tuan entered its first training session in Hangzhou (China). The whole team strives to complete the final preparations for the opening match against Mongolia on September 19.
On the same morning, the players were given exercises by fitness expert Jose Brandi Regato Neto to restore their physical condition as well as refresh their spirit after the long journey from Hanoi to Hangzhou. Therefore, when entering the afternoon practice session, the players seemed very excited to be immersed in the open space of the Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics East Athletics stadium. Although it is a stadium belonging to a university in Hangzhou, the quality of the grass and the spacious function room system are considered fully suitable for organizing an Asian youth tournament.
The temperature in Hangzhou ranges from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius, so it is also ideal for outdoor training and competition. Head coach Hoang Anh Tuan seemed very satisfied that he and his players were enjoying very favorable conditions. He said: “Yesterday, we went through a long journey, a bit tiring. But when we arrived in Hangzhou, we were warmly welcomed. The hotel is very good as a 5-star hotel. In particular, the team’s meals are quite delicious and appetizing. From morning until now, the team has returned to activities according to the time and schedule of the team. This morning we had a practice session in the GYM, for the players to recover and reduce the fatigue from yesterday’s travel day. This afternoon, the team has the first practice session on the field to prepare for the first match against Mongolia.”
Because it took a whole day to travel from Hanoi to Hangzhou, coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his team actually only had 2 practice sessions to prepare for the opening match in Group B. Sharing about this, coach Hoang Anh Tuan said: “Actually, with such time we cannot do everything. We anticipated this problem. We need to adjust what first, what later. As far as we can see, the player’s condition is good. Bringing players back to a healthy state to prepare for the match is extremely important. Second, the players must have good spirit. I see these two things that Vietnamese players have. The spirit is extremely comfortable and excited. The players’ health is in good condition, ready for challenges.”
In Group B of ASIAD 19 men’s soccer, the Vietnam Olympic team met Mongolia, Iran and Saudi Arabia respectively. The first match against Mongolia is considered a very important match for coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his team. Because in addition to creating a favorable start, a victory will help the Vietnam Olympic team maintain competitiveness compared to the other two opponents. Sharing about the preparation for this match, coach Hoang Anh Tuan said: “In addition to professional issues, we must prepare the players psychologically. Psychologically, it’s not like we’re here to prepare. We have prepared from previous tournaments, since entering the U23 AFF Championship 2023. On the other hand, the players who join the national team or compete in the U23 Asian Cup 2024 qualifiers also have experience and competition experience. and get ready for ASIAD 19. We just need to remind the players to clearly understand the nature and meaning of this tournament.”