"A year and a half ago, the Chinese team lost 1-3 to Vietnam. This time, they cannot afford to lose again, otherwise coach Jankovic's position will not be guaranteed," Sohu (China) news site warned the home team before the friendly match on October 10.
The last time the Vietnamese and Chinese teams met was in the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup in Asia, which took place early last year. At My Dinh Stadium, the Vietnamese team led by coach Park Hang Seo won 3-1 thanks to goals from Ho Tan Tai, Nguyen Tien Linh and Phan Van Duc.
Coach Jankovic is at risk of losing his job if the Chinese team loses to Vietnam. (Photo: VCG)
In the October international match series, the Vietnamese team will face China at the Dalian Sports Center Stadium (China). The match will take place at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow (October 10). This is an important practice match for both teams in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. On the other hand, the defeat against the Vietnamese team in 2022 also puts a lot of pressure on the Chinese team at this time.
"There are many objective reasons for the defeat against the Vietnamese team. However, in theory, the Chinese team is stronger. The Vietnamese team is considered the weak team and is an opportunity for the Chinese players to win," the author on Sohu commented.
Compared to the 2022 defeat, the Chinese team has changed a lot. Coach Aleksandar Jankovic was appointed right after the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and is in the process of changing the squad, reducing the number of players over 30 years old in the squad. In 9 matches under coach Jankovic, the Chinese team only won 3 victories.
Vietnam team beat China in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. (Photo: Minh Anh)
"If they fail to beat the Vietnamese team, they can imagine the criticism from the public after the match and coach Jankovic also faces the risk of being fired," another article on Sohu warned. This source also pointed out the name that the Chinese Football Association put in the reserve position to replace Mr. Jankovic. That is coach Javier Pereira - who is leading the Shanghai Port Club.
Another author on Sohu commented: " In terms of overall strength, the Chinese team still has a certain advantage over the Vietnamese team. However, this difference is no longer clear. The players must be fully prepared mentally for a fierce battle. If coach Jankovic has the right tactics, this match will be easier to play, even easier to win. However, if he comes up with an unreasonable plan, defeat will not be surprising."
Han Phong
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