The qualification tournament has brought together 46 teams in 11 groups, with Vietnam having been drawn against Japan, Mongolia and Guam in Group J. HCM City has been assigned to host all the Group J fixtures from Nov. 6 to 10.
“First of all, I would like to welcome the U19 teams to Vietnam for the tournament. Playing on home ground is an advantage but also an added pressure to us. However, Vietnam U19s have prepared well for the campaign and are now ready to compete against opponents,” Troussier told reporters on Tuesday.
Evaluating the teams in Group J, the French tactician said: “Theoretically, Japan are the strongest, while Vietnam follow in second, then come Guam and Mongolia. That’s just the theory. Concerning the reality, we will have to wait for the display on the field. Anyway, we are completely ready for the opener.”
“With my experience of working in many countries around the world, the opening game is very important. We have already devised the tactics for the Wednesday clash against Mongolia. Most importantly, Vietnam U19s will have to stay focused to achieve good results,” he stated.
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Vietnam U19s are now ready for the Group J campaign.
Troussier emphasised the 2020 AFC U19 Championship Qualifiers as a crucial tournament for the Vietnamese side to prepare forces and gain competition experience for further goals, including the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2026 World Cup.
On November 4, the French tactician announced Vietnam’s 24-man squad for the Group J campaign, with Tran Lam Dieu, Tran Hoang Phuc, Bui Tien Sinh and Pham Xuan Tao having been eliminated.
According to the rules, the 11 group winners and the four best second-placed teams will qualify for the 2020 AFC U19 Championship. Vietnam U19s are scheduled to play their Group J opener against Mongolia on Nov. 6 before taking on Guam and Japan on Nov. 8 and 10, respectively.
