2024 International Friendly Rival Watch: Vietnam

The one-off friendly between the Blue Tigers and the Golden Star Warriors is gearing up to be exciting.

Vietnam men’s football team and the Indian men’s football team will play a one-off friendly game during the upcoming international break. The fixture is to take place on 12th October 2024 after Lebanon decided to withdraw from the tri-nation-friendly tournament.

Manolo Marquez will have the chance to test the players in the friendly against Vietnam after recently taking over as the head coach’s position of the Indian men’s senior football team. In his first assignment as the boss, the tactician saw the outfit taste defeat against Syria after a goalless draw with Mauritius at the Intercontinental Cup.

The Golden Star Warriors have several talented players in their lineup and could hurt the Blue Tigers if the latter are not careful. Here is a closer look at the Vietnam men’s senior team and what Manolo Marquez’s men will be facing in the upcoming friendly match during the international break:

About the team

Vietnam football team, post the Vietnam war, joined the 1991 edition of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in the Philippines, and have consistently participated in every edition since. Furthermore, since 1994 and 1996, the Vietnam football team has consistently participated in qualification for the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup respectively. 

The men’s football team had a few ups and downs until it left a mark on the continental stage in 2019 at the AFC Asian Cup. The outfit reached the quarter-final but lost to Japan despite putting up a valiant effort with a squad of young players. 

Their recent efforts have been rewarded too. The Golden Star Warriors won the 2018 edition of the AFF Championship and also finished as runners-up at the 2019 King’s Cup.

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Recent Performances

Vietnam’s men’s football team has seen a poor run of results in 2024. The outfit failed to secure any points at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, losing all three of their group matches to Japan, Indonesia, and Iraq. They also lost their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers fixtures to Iraq and Indonesia consequently. 

Their only win in 2024 has come against the Philippines at the World Cup Qualifiers but the Golden Star Warriors could not secure a place in the final round of the qualifiers.

The Coach

Kim Sang-sik is the current head coach of the Vietnam men’s football team. The South Korean tactician played for the national team and several notable clubs during his playing days. He took over the position as the head coach of the senior team on 3rd May 2024 after working with the U-22 and U-23 developmental teams of Vietnam.

He has overseen four matches and won only once, having used 27 players to find the perfect balance. The tactician puts his faith in versatile players who can perform multiple roles on the pitch and play an attractive brand of attacking football. The Blue Tigers can certainly expect Kim’s side to be working extremely hard without the ball, press high, and move it with precision in the final third. 

At the club level, the tactician has made a positive impact with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, winning the K-League 1 in 2021 and the domestic cup in 2022.

Players to Watch

Tien Linh Nguyen

Tien Linh Nguyen is the biggest threat from Vietnam’s forward lineup. The striker recently scored in an international friendly against Thailand. The 26-year-old is experienced and has 21 goals in 48 appearances for the national team. He can be a handful owing to his pace and movement and the Indian defenders would do well to deny him space in the box.

Quang Hai Nguyen

Quang Hai Nguyen is a lethal attacker who loves to take on defenders from the wings. He chiefly positions himself on the right flank and loves to make darting runs behind the full-backs and stretch the opposition’s backline. He has played 64 matches for the national team and scored 11 goals.

Hung Dung Do

Hung Dung Do is the captain of the national team. He is a holding midfielder by nature and is a leader in the dressing room. His presence in the middle of the field is crucial as he provides cover to the defence and initiates turnovers with his work rate off the ball.

ALSO READ: India to contest Vietnam in October international friendly after Lebanon’s withdrawal

What to Expect

Vietnam may be going through a rough patch in terms of results but India cannot underestimate their opponents. Both teams are under pressure to change their fortunes and find rhythm. Head coaches in both camps are new to their jobs and still exploring the set of combinations to strike the perfect balance. 

One can expect a close match with an equal number of scoring chances to be seen on both ends of the pitch. The home advantage could play a role and give Vietnam an edge over India. 

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