The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced that coach Philippe Troussier will likely not have the services of Pham Tuan Hai, Nguyen Van Tung and Truong Tien Anh in the final match at the 2023 Asian Cup.
Van Tung suffered a thigh strain after trying to accelerate at the end of the second half of the match against Indonesia. Pham Tuan Hai even had to leave the field right after the first half due to a foot injury.
The rare good news for the French coach is the return of young striker Nguyen Dinh Bac. He completed his training with his teammates and is ready to start in the match against Iraq.
Tuan Hai is injured.
When both Tuan Hai and Van Tung are unavailable, coach Troussier will most likely put Van Toan on the field from the start. The striker born in 1996 is eager to show himself after not being in the starting lineup for two consecutive matches.
Van Toan's speed can provide a new option for the Vietnamese team's attack. In addition, coach Troussier can adjust the personnel in the midfield as the Iraqi team is highly rated at this time.
The loss to Indonesia made Vietnam the first team in Group D to be eliminated from the 2023 Asian Cup. Coach Philippe Troussier and his team are certain to be at the bottom of the group, regardless of the result of the final match. Therefore, the match against Iraq on January 24 is just a formality.
Midfielder Khuat Van Khang said: " I am very proud to play in a big stadium in the national team's jersey. I always try to improve myself through each tournament and each match. I always crave to score a goal to contribute to the team.
In every match, the players are eager to do that. Personally, I set a goal to try my best for the team. No matter who the opponent is, the whole team will always fight to get the best result. In the final match, we will play with all our heart for the fans. I hope the fans will always be by the team's side ."
Mai Phuong
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