Hours before the game, 10 players on the team had diarrhea, suspiciously due to food problems. The doctors gave them medication, but the condition didn't improve. The condition of defender Nguyen Thanh Binh and midfielder Ly Cong Hoang Anh were more severe than the others and they won't be able to play.
Thanh Binh's absence will be a great loss for U23 Vietnam. The 22-year-old was often called up to the national team for his impressive performance at the club level. He scored the opening goal for Vietnam, in a 1-1 draw against Japan in the final match of the third round of World Cup qualifiers
On Wednesday, Thanh Binh was also chosen by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as one of the most watchable players in U23 Asian Cup this year. Binh and captain Bui Hoang Viet Anh formed a solid pair of defenders that helped Vietnam win the 31st SEA Games gold medal without conceding a goal throughout the journey last month.
Ly Cong Hoang Anh was known for his aggressive and fiery play. He was called up by coach Park Hang-seo to the national team for the second and third rounds of World Cup qualifiers. Hoang Anh was the orchestrator of Vietnam in the journey to conquer the SEA Games gold medal. The 23-year-old player is physically fit, has a sharp mind and can play in many positions on the field, besides his forte as a midfielder.
With this unexpected situation, coach Gong Oh-kyun will have to make several adjustments to the lineup. Some other players will have to play even when they're not well. This will be a huge disadvantage for Vietnam before the game, which will take place at 10 p.m. (Hanoi time).
The game will be reported live on VnExpress International.