Park Hang-seo: “Vietnam look forward to next match with highest determination”

Despite the mounting difficulties after three consecutive defeats, Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo stated that the players have performed well in their tasks and are looking forward to the next match with the highest determination.

Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo (second from right) and captain Que Ngoc Hai (second from left) attend a press briefing in Oman on October 11.
Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo (second from right) and captain Que Ngoc Hai (second from left) attend a press briefing in Oman on October 11.

The Golden Star Warriors will play guest to Oman on Tuesday night (October 12) as they continue their hunt for points in the final round of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Asian Qualifiers.

Following three successive losses, Park’s side are ranked at the bottom of Group B, making a positive score against Oman a much-needed result to revive their World Cup hopes.

“Vietnam are currently under great pressure to earn points. I know there are flows of criticism towards us at home, especially after the clash against China. I am willing to receive them. However, it is not adequate to direct criticism toward my players and assistants, and I don’t agree with that,” the Republic of Korean tactician told reporters.

“The players have done their job well. We are looking forward to the next match with the highest determination,” he affirmed.

Regarding the return of young defender Nguyen Thanh Binh to Vietnam U22s after the China match, Park explained: “It is not his fault that Thanh Binh returned to the U22 team. Vietnam U22s must prepare carefully for the upcoming important tournament, so not only Thanh Binh but also Van Xuan will be moved.”

For his part, captain Que Ngoc Hai said: “The whole team held a private meeting after the China match. Not only Thanh Binh, I reminded other young players as well: if the final whistle has not yet blown, we must remain highly focused. We win together, we accept defeat together. We will grow more mature in the future.”

“This is our debut in the final World Cup qualifying round. We have learned necessary lessons of experience from the past matches. We have left the bad result against China behind and are looking forward to the encounter against Oman.”

The Group B Matchday 4 clash between Oman and Vietnam is set to take place at Sultan Qaboos in Muscat at 11pm on October 12 (Vietnamese time). The Vietnamese team had a training session on the evening of October 11 to become familiar with the hosting stadium.

The Vietnamese team have a training session at Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman on October 11 evening.

Vietnamese fans in Oman will have the chance to directly cheer on Park Hang-seo’s troops as the Oman Football Association (OFA) has decided to allow up to 17,000 fans into the stadium.

Tickets are available for purchase through the TM Done application from 10am on October 10, with a maximum of just two tickets per person, who must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.