Viet Nam ready for UAE World Cup qualifying game
Viet Nam coach Alfred Riedl has called up only 19 of the 22 national squad members available to him for the away clash against the United Arab Emirates…
Riedl has elected to rest goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong, defender Nguyen Thanh Long Giang and midfielder Vo Duy Nam, ahead of the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
Viet Nam lost 0-1 to the UAE at home at My Dinh National Stadium on October 8, which dented their hopes of qualifying for the Olympic games.
Lining up to replace Truong in goal are Duong Hong Son, from Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA), Bui Quang Huy of Phu My Nam Dinh and Da Nang”s Tran Duc Cuong.
The seven defenders include Nguyen Huy Hoang from SLNA – who announced his retirement from the national team two months ago – Binh Duong”s Vu Nhu Thanh and Huynh Quang Thanh, who missed the first leg because of injury.
Nam Dinh defender Phung Van Nhien and Nguyen Tien Dung from Hoa Phat Ha Noi, as well as Binh Duong”s Chau Phong Hoa and Doan Viet Cuong, will also be in the squad to play the return leg.
The Austrian coach also called up Tran Truong Giang, who helped Viet Nam take a bronze medal in the 22nd Southeast Asian Football Championship in 2002 and competed in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, along with Nguyen Minh Phuong and Phan Van Tai Em from Dong Tam Long An team, Khanh Hoa”s Le Tan Tai and Halida Thanh Hoa”s Mai Tien Thanh.
Truong Giang will play alongside Binh Duong teammate Nguyen Vu Phong, who scored five of Viet Nam”s nine goals during the Beijing Olympic qualifiers.
“Viet Nam are in difficult situation especially when we have to play on their ground,” said striker Le Cong Vinh. “But in my opinion, in this match we will be the stronger team. Our strong physical strength will help our attacking game,” he said.
“The UAE are stronger than Viet Nam but the gap between us is only a goal. If we can keep the balance in the central area, we will have a chance of winning.”
Halfback Tai Em echoed Vinh”s thoughts: The UAE are tough rivals but nothing impossible. I think Viet Nam must ensure that they are safe in their home field while taking full advantage of any opportunities that come their way to net a goal. If we can do it, we can get a victory.”
Tan Tai is equally confident.
“The UAE are in better shape than Viet Nam. They will put a lot of pressure on us. Therefore, we will have to block their attacks while launching counter-attacks.”
Riedl said it would be a tough match.
“My players should keep their minds free and comfortable. They should consider it a normal game and think about getting a result.”
VNS
