Vietnam seek draw against Australia: coach Park

By Lam Thoa   January 26, 2022 | 12:06 am PT
Vietnam seek draw against Australia: coach Park
Coach Park Hang-seo speaks at a press conference on January 26, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh
Park Hang-seo admitted the big difference in level between Vietnam and Australia but affirmed the team aims for a draw Thursday.

"The team have lost all six games and haven't earned any point. Australia, our opponent tomorrow is in third and really want to use their home advantage to beat us. Of course, as the away team, we still want something to bring back home. Vietnam will try to get a point in Melbourne," Park told the press Wednesday.

Vietnam are still searching for their first point in the final round of World Cup qualifiers, while Australia considers this game a must-win since they are five points away from the top spot.

"It's quite hard to find the weakness of a top team like Australia. I think they have more strengths than weaknesses. But any team have their own weakness. For us, I can say right away that Vietnam don't have the same physique as Australia. Despite this disadvantage, we are ready to get the best result," Park added.

Vietnam will play Australia without the strongest lineup. Nguyen Tuan Anh, Ha Duc Chinh, Dang Van Lam, Doan Van Hau and Nguyen Trong Hoang are still in treatment for injuries. Striker duo Nguyen Tien Linh and Nguyen Van Toan are stuck in quarantine after getting Covid-19, while additional attackers Tran Phi Son and Ngan Van Dai couldn't join the team due to visa problems.

Due to the shortage of strikers, Park will only have three choices for the position tomorrow. However, he is not worried.

"Although Linh and Toan cannot play, I'm not worried since they also haven't scored much in final qualifiers. The team have worthy replacements. Let's see their performance tomorrow," Park said.

In the first leg at My Dinh National Stadium, Australia won 1-0 with the only goal by Rhyan Grant.

The game kicks off at 4:10 p.m. Thursday (Hanoi time) and will be broadcasted live on VnExpress International.

 
 
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