Vietnamese striker Nguyen Tien Linh (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Theworld football governing body FIFA recently interviewed Vietnamese strikerNguyen Tien Linh ahead of the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualification match inMarch.
In a post headlined ‘Rising Nguyen eyes big things with Vietnam’, FIFA heaped praise on the young striker for hisperformances for his country.
The 22-year-old has scoredtwo goals in the World Cup campaign, one in a 3-1 win over Indonesia and thewinner in a 1-0 victory against the United Arab Emirates, helping put Vietnamon top of Group G.
"Each striker issatisfied with scoring goals and contributing to the team's victories and so amI," Linh told FIFA.com.
"But in my opinion, Ishould thank my teammates for the goals I score. I wouldn't get theopportunities without their collective efforts.
"For me, it's a dreamcome true to represent my country in World Cup qualifying. If you are afootballer, it's the greatest honour to join the national team and play inWorld Cup qualifying. This campaign will be memorable for the rest of myplaying career."
FIFA also touched on thedreams of the striker, who played for Vietnam at the U20 World Cup in the Republicof Korea in 2017.
"To be honest, I am notafraid of anyone I play against," he said. "The only thing I'm afraidof is not giving my all out there. I have prepared myself for this [playing forthe national team] all these years, so there is nothing that can prevent mefrom realising my goals."
"People usually say thatI am strong in competing against our opponents for the ball and think I am goodat providing support for my teammates. So coach Park (Hang-seo) may think mystyle of playing suits his tactics for the team. Personally, however, I think Ihave to improve my finishing ability."
Vietnam visit Malaysiain the next match on March 31 and Linh is hoping to make his mark in KualaLumpur and for his club side Becamex Binh Duong FC.
“I have several goals in2020. I want to win the V.League 1 with my club and I want to defend the AFFSuzuki Cup title with the national team. But above all, of course, I want tocontinue to play an important role for my team in World Cup qualifying and I amhoping to reach the next round," Linh said./.
