>>> Vietnam squander one-goal lead, lose 1-3 to Saudi Arabia
>>> Park praises players’ efforts after defeat to Saudi Arabia
The Golden Star Warriors recently returned home from Saudi Arabia where they relinquished a one-goal lead to go down 1-3 to the hosts in their Group B opener.
In his encouraging message, Hung praised the unyielding fighting spirit of the national team in the group opener at Saudi Arabia a few days ago. “Despite missing out on a point, the players’ display conquered the hearts of home fans,” he said.
The minister expressed his hopes that Park’s troops will continue to show position as the remaining representative of Southeast Asia left in the World Cup Qualifiers, whilst retaining their confidence and burning hearts and striving to overcome themselves to weather every challenge.
He wished the national team the best results against Australia.
Vietnam is scheduled to take on Australia at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on the evening of September 7, which will be the first of their five home games in Group B. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic the match will be held behind closed doors.
To prepare for such a crucial match, head coach Park Hang-seo has decided to call up defender Tran Van Kien to the Vietnamese squad.
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Defender Tran Van Kien. (Photo: VFF)
The addition of Kien is considered necessary in the context that the national team is currently facing difficulties in the back line as key defender Do Duy Manh will be absent in the Australia meeting due to a red card suspension.
Park has also considered the plan to additionally summon striker Nguyen Cong Phuong to prepare for the October and November matches in their World Cup qualifying campaign. However, due to travel restrictions amidst the pandemic, Cong Phuong can only join the team after the Vietnam Football Federation completes the procedures required by the competent authorities.
