Vietnam yearning for greater success
Vietnam will have the advantage of being guided by a coach who has tasted AFC Asian Cup™ glory and the Southeast Asian side will be counting on Philippe Troussier’s experience in their bid to enjoy a successful tournament.
04/12/2023 10:37:46
Their best in the continental showpiece has been quarter-final appearances in 2007 and 2019 but Vietnam will feel they have the quality and experience to challenge Asia’s best.
Factfile
FIFA World Ranking: 94
Previous Appearances: 4
Best Finish: Quarter-finals – 2007, 2019
2019 Result: Quarter-finals
Head Coach: Philippe Troussier (FRA)
Fun Fact: Vietnam reached the quarter-finals in their last two appearances in the AFC Asian Cup
Previous Appearances: 4
Best Finish: Quarter-finals – 2007, 2019
2019 Result: Quarter-finals
Head Coach: Philippe Troussier (FRA)
Fun Fact: Vietnam reached the quarter-finals in their last two appearances in the AFC Asian Cup
A period of sustained growth has seen Vietnam establish themselves as a force in Southeast Asia alongside Thailand.
Their appearance in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ quarter-finals was followed by Vietnam qualifying for the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar – their first appearance at this stage.
While the revered Park Hang-seo, who played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s rise, is no longer with the team, Vietnam have a proven winner in Troussier.
Despite a tough draw which has Vietnam pitted against Japan, who Troussier coached to the 2000 AFC Asian Cup title, regional rivals Indonesia and Iraq – who defeated them in their recent meeting in the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, Vietnam will be a side to watch in Qatar 2023.
Vietnam’s Group D fixtures
January 14
v Japan (14:30 local time, Al Thumama Stadium)
January 19
v Indonesia (17:30 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
January 24
v Iraq (14:30 local time, Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium)
January 14
v Japan (14:30 local time, Al Thumama Stadium)
January 19
v Indonesia (17:30 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)
January 24
v Iraq (14:30 local time, Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium)
Source: AFC
