Coach Park Hang-seo of Vietnam (centre), who is suspended for the 2022 World Cup qualifier, is still confident his team will triumph against the UAE on June 15. (Photo: webthethao.vn) Park is suspended for the match after he was given a second yellow card inthe 2-1 win over Malaysia on June 11 night in Dubai's Al-Maktoum Stadium.
The 63-year-old acted aggressively when his midfielder Nguyen Phong HongDuy was fouled by Malaysia’s Liridon Krasniqi near the end of the game.
His reaction resulted in a yellow card from Japanese referee Sato Ryuji.He was also booked in the match against Thailand on September 5, 2019.
"I have received two cards and manage the team against the UAE. Myreaction is to help Vietnam reach our target of advancing to the lastqualifying round. If we have good result and qualify, then my mission iscomplete," Park said.
"I watched the UAE in a match against Malaysia and we played them alreadyin the first leg match. But I have to confess that I have not searched themcarefully to know how different they are now.
"They are really a strong team. We are on top of the groupbut UAE players' physique and technique are among the best in Asia. But I stillhave plan which will be used to help us win this match.”
It is the second time that Park has been banned. Atthe 30th Southeast Asian Games last December in the Philippines, hereceived a red card and was sidelined for four matches after an angry exchangewith referee Majed Al-Shamrani during the final between Vietnam andIndonesia when his midfielder Nguyen Trong Hoang was fouled byan Indonesian player but escaped a warning.
Park's assistant Lee Young-jin will take charge of the team on June 15.
Vietnam with 17 points need only a draw to make history. A loss with minimumresult could also be enough as they may qualify as the best second-placed team.
Meanwhile the hosts, on 15 points, must win to take top place and qualify,otherwise they would be ousted.
After beating Malaysia, Vietnam jump one step up to 90th place in the worldwith total 1,271 points.
The national team will receive 3 billion VND (130,500 USD) bonus from the VietnamFootball Federation and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc if they win.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on June 14 afternoon appointed Ali SabahAl-Qaysi from Iraq as the referee in the Vietnam-UAE match on the evening ofJune 15./.
VNA
