Coach Park announces official 23-man squad to face hosts Thailand

>>> Vietnam vs Thailand: Fierce battle in the midfield

The list of the 23-member squad was finalised at a technical meeting at Thammasat Stadium on September 4 afternoon. Park with his 24 players arrived in Thailand on September 1 and are taking part in their training camp to prepare for the heavyweight clash at the stadium on September 5.

After four days in Thailand, the only player sent back home is striker Ha Minh Tuan due to his prolonged injury. It is unfortunate for Tuan as he has made great efforts to play for the national team after seven years of absence since playing in the Vietnam U22 squad in 2012.

Coach Park highly appreciated his spirit and willingness during training with his teammates. Unfortunately, Tuan’s persistent thigh muscle injury did not recover in time, depriving the Quang Nam FC’s striker his opportunity to serve the national team.

Vietnam’s manager Park Hang-seo and his players during a training session in Thailand. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

However, two of Park’s key players – fullbacks Doan Van Hau and Nguyen Trong Hoang – have been included in the final 23-man squad after being reportedly recovered from injuries. Both Hau and Hoang have been racing against time to be back in the squad on the eve of the Thailand match on September 5.

The 20-year-old left-back Van Hau returned to the squad on September 3 after flying to the Netherlands to complete his loan move to Dutch Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen, while right-back Trong Hoang has recovered from a thigh injury ahead of schedule. The key duo’s return would be a huge boost for Park as they are indispensable in the Korean strategist’s tactics in recent tournaments.

Later this afternoon, the team will enter their final training session to get familiar with Thammasat Stadium. Before the training camp, coach Park and captain Que Ngoc Hai will attend a pre-match press conference.

The Group G opener between Vietnam and hosts Thailand will take place at 19:00 tomorrow evening. The guests will have their traditional red outfit, while the hosts wearing all-blue shirts.