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After the first few training sessions since October 28 took place with a limited number of players, the coaching staff can now deploy more diverse practices for the team, with almost of them gathered at My Dinh Youth Football Centre in Hanoi to prepare for the next two matches in November against the UAE and Thailand in Group G of the Asian Joint Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
The 27-man list summoned by Park for the next two important qualifiers is only missing two names - striker Cong Phuong and defender Van Hau - who are playing in Belgium and the Netherlands, respectively.
Players of Hanoi and Quang Nam gathered on Saturday and only had light practice to maintain their fitness.
The focused but cheerful atmosphere could be seen in the team's training session yesterday. That all players are in a healthy condition without any injuries can satisfy the Korean strategist.
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Midfielder Ngo Hoang Thinh responds during a press interview before the training session on November 2. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
Speaking to the media ahead of his training session on Saturday afternoon, Ho Chi Minh City FC’s midfielder Ngo Hoang Thinh said that he felt proud and was desperate to contribute to the national team: “I am very hungry to play and willing to give my best with my teammates. After missing my last summon because of keratitis, I was very determined in this training camp. Before returning to the national squad, coach Chung Hae-seong of Ho Chi Minh City FC reminded me to put in twice as much effort as at the club to contribute to the national team. My goal is to perform my true form and to be registered in the next two matches.”
Vietnam will take on the UAE at Hanoi’s My Dinh National Stadium on November 14 and Thailand four days later, also at My Dinh. Regarding the upcoming qualifiers, the Nghe An native player expressed more concentration in the match against the arch rivals Thailand, while pointing out the most dangerous player of the Thai team. "Thai team have many good players, of which I like to play against Chanathip (Songkrasin), and I want to beat them if I am selected to play against them with our teammates in the Vietnamese squad,” Thinh said.
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Players from Hanoi FC and Quang Nam FC, who played in the National Cup final on October 31, only had light practice upon returning to the national squad on November 2. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
Coach Park’s side have about 10 days remaining to practice and hone their skills and tactics before entering the match against the UAE – the group favourites. The coaching staff will have to shorten the list from 27 members to 23 at the technical meeting before the match.
Vietnam are on par with table leaders Thailand in Group G with seven points, only ranked second due to the goal difference. The UAE are in third with six points after three matches, followed by Malaysia with three points and Indonesia without a point.
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Vietnamese players on the training ground. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)
