The author stated that the “Golden Dragons” have been drawn in a tough group where they will have to conquer challenges posed by traditional tournament heavyweights Iran and two other strong opponents, Iraq and Yemen, to advance in the competition.
He touched on the unexpected absence of Tran Dinh Trong, one of Vietnam’s AFF Cup heroes, in Park’s choices for the Asian Cup mission. “Star defender Tran Dinh Trong, who needs surgery on his leg, has been ruled out heading into the tournament, with his initial replacement Luc Xuan Hung also sidelined due to a knee injury sustained during training.”
Forward Nguyen Anh Duc, Vietnam’s top scorer in the AFF Cup, has also not made the trip to the UAE, with the Republic of Korea coach Park Hang-seo “plumping for youth by including seven previously uncapped players in his 23 man squad.”
Given that fact, FOX Sports Asia predicted Vietnam’s lineup will be a little bit different from that in the recent AFF Cup, but is still faithful to the 3-4-3 formation.
Dang Van Lam will continue to be trusted with the goalkeeping position, while Thanh Chung will replace Dinh Trong to join Que Ngoc Hai and Do Duy Manh to put up a three-man defensive fortress.
Nguyen Trong Hoang and Doan Van Hau will still be Park’s opts for the two wings. Meanwhile, the smooth duo, Hung Dung and Huy Hung, will be accounting for the midfield area.
The two midfielders, Nguyen Quang Hai and Phan Van Duc, safeguard their place in Park’s tactical diagram, while the author chooses Nguyen Tien Linh to replace Nguyen Anh Duc as the striker, who plays at the highest position on the field.
Here is Vietnam’s best XI for Asian Cup 2019, as predicted by FOX Sports Asia.
 |
