World Qualifier Spotlight: China vs Vietnam
As the October 5 Beijing time is approaching, the highlight of the World Qualification 12 will be the match between China and Vietnam. Vietnamese media outlet "thethao247" has highlighted the importance of this matchup. Both sides have failed to collect any points before the match, but Vietnam is expected to take all three points thanks to the right time and place.
Since October 1, the Vietnamese team has arrived in the UAE to start acclimatization training. Due to the objective conditions, the Vietnamese team could only play against the U22 internally. Although core players Nguyễn Trọng Hoàng and Trần Minh Vương were unable to accompany the team, midfielders Bui Tien Dung, Nguyen Thanh Trung and Nguyen Cong Phuong returned in time to energize the team.
Vietnam's shortage of personnel has been eased with the return of Vũ Văn Thanh and Phan Van Duc to the squad during a training session in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Vũ Văn Thanh revealed that the whole team is fully prepared for the match and the issue of substitutes for injured players will be properly resolved.
Faced with the hot weather in the UAE, the Chinese team has successfully applied for a rescheduling of the match as they are worried about their physical fitness. However, Vietnam, with their experience of playing here, are better able to adapt to this climate than their opponents.
However, on the eve of the match, the Chinese team received unfavorable news that Wei Shihao was injured and would miss the match against Vietnam. The absence of the much-anticipated striker was seen as a "godsend" for Park's coaching team.
In the history of meetings between the two teams, Vietnam has lost to China six times, but the last time they met was in 2012. The Vietnamese media is confident: "With careful preparation, high morale and the enthusiastic support of the home fans, the 'Gold Star Warriors' are expected to beat the Chinese team. History awaits Coach Park Hang-seo!"
