Vietnam coach makes change in defense before Saudi Arabia clash

Viet Anh, 22, has rich V. League experience and is a regular starter for Hanoi FC, one of the top domestic clubs. The young defender was called up to the team multiple times but hasn’t played any World Cup qualifier.

Binh, a year younger than Viet Anh, was given the chance to play the second half of the game against China last month. However, he made mistakes that let China score two goals and win the game 3-2. Later, he was moved to the U23 team. Binh performed well during U23 Asian Cup qualifiers and was called back to the national team in the Japan clash last Thursday, when Vietnam lost 0-1.

Coach Park Hang-seo during a training session before Vietnam and Saudi Arabia clash in the World Cup qualifiers, Hanoi, November 15, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

Vietnam are last in group B after losing all five matches so far. Meanwhile, their next opponent Saudi Arabia top the group with 13 points.

In the first leg on Sept. 2, Vietnam scored first with a goal by Nguyen Quang Hai in the third minute. But a red card and a penalty cost Vietnam the game as Saudi Arabia scored thrice to win 3-1.

This time, Vietnam will get to play on home ground My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi. The game will begin at 7 p.m. and will be reported live on VnExpress International.