Vietnam team practices tactics, confident of defeating Iraq

(Dan Tri) - On the evening of June 10, the Vietnamese team had a practice session to get acquainted with the Basra International Stadium and complete the final preparations for the match against the host team Iraq in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

Although they no longer have the right to decide in the competition for a ticket to the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, coach Kim Sang Sik and his team still look forward to the match with the highest concentration and determination. At the press conference before the match, coach Kim Sang Sik confidently said: "The Iraqi team is very strong, especially when playing at home, with the support of the fans. But our ambition is to win, despite the very hot weather in Basra. The Vietnamese team hopes to achieve what they want, which is victory."

Coach Kim Sang Sik is very confident before the match (Photo: VFF).

Basra International Stadium (where the match between Vietnam and Iraq will take place) is considered the "hotbed" of Iraqi football with a capacity of 65,000 spectators. Tickets for the match are also creating a fever in Basra, promising that the stands will be filled with fans of the home team. Notably, the Iraqi team has never been defeated when playing at Basra International Stadium since the first official match held at this stadium in 2019 until now. They also lifted the Gulf Cup when the tournament took place at Basra International Stadium in 2023.

Vietnam team aims for 3 points (Photo: VFF).

In the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia, when playing at home at Basra International Stadium, the Iraqi team beat the Philippines 1-0 and "crushed" Indonesia with a score of 5-1. Regarding the training session of the Vietnamese team, coach Kim Sang Sik had his students practice quick counter-attacks. Compared to the victory over the Philippines, the starting lineup of the "Golden Star Warriors" will have some changes.

Coach Kim Sang Sik carefully calculated the personnel issue (Photo: VFF).

In this match, Van Toan is suspended and will be absent. Coach Kim Sang Sik may use Tuan Hai from the start. In addition, the return of central defender Bui Hoang Viet Anh will help the Vietnamese team's defense become more solid. The match between Vietnam and Iraq will take place at 9:00 p.m. on June 11 local time (1:00 a.m. on June 12 Vietnam time).

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-luyen-chien-thuat-tu-tin-danh-bai-iraq-20240611083850376.htm