Match against China at World Cup qualifiers important to Vietnam: head coach

The match against China in the final round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is important to Vietnam, head coach Park Hang-seo affirmed at a press conference before the match, which is scheduled to take place at 0am on October 8 (Vietnam time).

Head coach Park Hang-seo

Both Vietnam and China suffered losses in their first two matches of the final round, so they are aiming for the third match, with a hope to have at least one point to find a transition in the upcoming journey, Park said.

He said he is under a bit of pressure, as he knows Vietnamese fans are looking forward to this match. For players, the head coach pledged to find ways to relieve them of pressure.

Vietnam will seek the best way to play the game, he stated adding that how to constrain China’s playing style is decisive to the upcoming match.

Vietnam lost to China in all their previous six face-offs.

The match will be played without audiences due to COVID-19, according to the stadium's managing board.

Both Vietnam and China collected zero points after their two opening matches.

The Vietnamese team was defeated 0-1 by Australia and 1-3 by Saudi Arabia, while China lost 0-3 to Australia and 0-1 to Japan.

This is the first time Vietnam have ever played in such a round of World Cup qualifiers. Vietnam are in Group B along with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China and Oman for a berth at the 2022 Qatar World Cup./.

VNA