Asian Cup 2019: Vietnam preparing a surprise for Iraq

Vietnamese footballers are actively training in preparation for the match against Iraq on January 8, their first game at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Asian Cup 2019: Vietnam preparing a surprise for Iraq ảnh 1Vietnamese players in a training session in Abu Dhabi on January 6 (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese footballers are activelytraining in preparation for the match against Iraq on January 8, their firstgame at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Talking to the press before the training sessionon January 6, midfielder Nguyen Van Toan said the whole squad is eager for thematch, saying he hopes that they will have a good game and meet expectations.

He added that although Iraq is a strong team inAsia, Vietnamese players are still confident and looking forward to asuccessful match.

As this is the leading tournament of Asia, theteam respects all of the rivals. Additionally, the players have a clearviewpoint that they must not be complacent about their achievements over thepast year, but stay focused to get ready for the Asian Cup.

The midfielder hoped that the Asian Cup 2019will be a successful tourney for himself as well as the whole Vietnamese team.

The match against Iraq will kick off at ZayedSport City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, at 5:30pm (UAE time) on January 8.

Vietnam are pooled with Iran, Iraq and Yemen inGroup D of the AFC Asian Cup 2019.

After playing Iraq, the team will face Asianheavyweights Iran on January 12 before wrapping up their group stage journeywith a match against Yemen on January 16.

In a recent interview with Tasnim News Agency ofIran, head coach Park Hang-seo said the first goal of Vietnam – the AFF SuzukiCup 2018 champions – is to qualify for the knockout stage of thetournament. –VNA
VNA

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