Hanoi (VNA) – Korean coach Kim Sang-sik has called up 27 players for training to prepare for a friendly match against India on FIFA Days in October, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced on October 5.
The list of the Vietnamese team see many changes, notably the return of outstanding faces such as defender Bui Hoang Viet Anh, midfielder Le Pham Thanh Long, To Van Vu, Chau Ngoc Quang and veteran striker Nguyen Van Quyet.
Besides, coach Kim also increased the youthfulness for the squad by summoning U23 players such as goalkeepers Nguyen Van Viet and Tran Trung Kien; defender Giap Tuan Duong, midfielders Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Van Truong and Nguyen Thai Son; and strikers Nguyen Dinh Bac, Bui Vi Hao and Nguyen Quoc Viet.
In a relating move, the VFF also confirmed that the Lebanese Football Federation sent a letter of apology to announce their withdrawal from the international friendly tournament coinciding with the FIFA Days in October 2024. The tournament will be hosted by Vietnam at Thien Truong Stadium in Nam Dinh province.
Initially, Vietnam were set to face India on October 9 and Lebanon on October 15, while the Indian and Lebanese teams were scheduled to meet on October 12. All matches were to be counted according to FIFA rankings.
With Lebanon's withdrawal, Vietnam risk only playing one match on the FIFA Days, potentially impacting their preparation for the ASEAN Cup at the end of the year.
There are only two FIFA Days left in October and November for coach Kim to test his squad and tactics. Since replacing Philippe Troussier in June 2024, the Korean coach has struggled to make a significant impact, with the team losing their last three matches against Iraq, Russia and Thailand.
Currently, the VFF has no plans to find a replacement opponent for the Vietnamese team. Inviting another national team for a friendly match is challenging at this time, as many have already scheduled their fixtures. Vietnam may end up playing two matches against India, who will also be one match down due to Lebanon's withdrawal./.
