Philippines clash a turning point for Vietnam: midfielder

By Lam Thoa November 14, 2023 | 12:25 am PT

Midfielder Do Hung Dung said the away game against the Philippines in the second round of World Cup qualifiers is highly important because it's the first official match for Vietnam under the new coach.

Do Hung Dung talks to the press after the training session with Vietnam national team on Nov. 13, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

Vietnamese midfielder Do Hung Dung talks to the press after the training session with Vietnam national team on Nov. 13, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

Vietnamese football had over five years of success under previous coach Park Hang-seo, when they finished second at the 2018 U23 Asian Cup, won two gold medals at SEA Games 30 and 31, lifted the 2018 AFF Cup, and advanced to the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

The South Korean coach left after his contract expired in January and the Vietnam Football Federation recruited Philippe Troussier from France as a replacement.

"The next game will mark a turning point for Vietnam national team. The team as well as myself have stayed focused for a long time. We have prepared mentally and tactically for this game," Dung said after a training session on Monday night in Manila.

The national team are no longer unfamiliar with Troussier and his tactics after working together for eight months. After signing the contract with the VFF in February, Troussier has gathered the team for training many times and played friendlies with Palestine, China, Uzbekistan and South Korea.

"From the first time talking to coach Troussier, we already understood his desires and the pressure during training sessions. The preparation is done. The game with the Philippines will show what the players have learned," Dung added.

The team arrived in Manila on Monday morning and had a training session in the afternoon. The game will be played on the artificial grass pitch of Rizal Memorial Stadium, but Dung said the team are not too concerned about playing on an unfamiliar surface.

"Vietnam rarely play on artificial grass. However, it's difficulty for both teams, as the Philippines also only have a few players who are familiar with it," he said.

Vietnam brought a squad of 28 players to Manila and will remove five players before finalizing the squad list the day before the match.

After playing the Philippines, Vietnam's next game is at home against Iraq on November 21.