>>> [Infographic] Vietnam’s Group G fixtures in round two of World Cup 2022 AFC qualifiers
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Vietnam will open their World Cup qualification campaign by travelling to Thailand for their Group G opener against the hosts on September 5. Hai has affirmed his team’s confidence against the arch-rivals.
“The whole team is very confident. The most important thing is to maintain the spirit of solidarity and the desire to win,” the 1993-born defender told reporters on August 28. “Vietnam have experienced a lot of big matches on the continental level. The pressure from the stands will not affect our morale,” Hai affirmed.
The captain has also placed all his trust in his teammates: “The 27 players who are summoned this time have won great trust. I really believe in my teammates. Duy Manh, Tien Dung [two defenders] and I have played together a lot, while rookies like Anh Quang or Huu Tuan will try to play well and are in high form in the V.League. If the key players cannot play, the coach will definitely find an alternative.”
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Coach Park Hang-seo and his players during the training session on August 28. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
Commenting on Chanathip Songkrasin – the top star of the Thai squad, Hai said: “Chanathip is a very good player of Thai football in the last five years. In particular, he has a very good form in the J1 League. I think not only myself but all my teammates must support and cover each other well. Vietnam need to focus not only on Chanathip but also other faces in the Thai squad.”
On the occasion that Vietnam women's team beat their Thai rivals to become champions after the final match of the 2019 AFF Women’s Championship, Hai on behalf of his team sent congratulations to his female colleagues. He said that the achievements of their female colleagues will act as a spiritual encouragement for the male counterparts before the match against Thailand.
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Vietnamese players in action during their training session on August 28. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
