As the 12-team tournament comes to a close, the final showdown will be held at the end of this month, with Vietnam challenging the two strongest teams, Oman and Japan, one after the other. Vietnamese media boldly predicted that the Vietnamese team is expected to give Japan a surprise in the match.
Vietnam, making its debut in the 12-team tournament, had earned its first win in the history of the tournament with a 3-1 victory over China at home in February. In the remaining two rounds of the tournament, Vietnam seeks to build on its success.
Unfortunately, a number of players in the Vietnamese team, including skipper Park Hang-su (who is now recovered), have been diagnosed with new crowns, posing many challenges in preparation for the match. Nonetheless, the team's morale and fighting spirit have not been dampened, with Vietnamese media revealing that many players are expected to recover and return to the team before the match in Oman.
The Vietnamese media further noted that the joy of winning over China continues, and the next match against Oman aims to get all three points. Not only against Oman, the challenge against Japan could also be a surprise. The team is ready to take on the challenge with a relaxed mindset.
Despite not qualifying for the World Cup, the victory over China has boosted Vietnam's morale and the players will face the matches in Oman and Japan with a relaxed mindset.
Japan, who face Vietnam on the 29th, are aiming for three points as they face competition from Saudi Arabia and Australia, who don't want to drop into third place and have to play in the play-offs. If Park Hang-su can take control of the match, Japan could be in trouble. Vietnam lost 0-1 at home to Japan in the first meeting between the two teams last November.
