Vietnam coach plans wise game against Saudi Arabia

"Saudi Arabia is the leading team in Asia and has home advantage. So the match will be very difficult for Vietnam. But we are well prepared and ready to fight," Vietnam's head coach said.

"Vietnam is the weakest of the six teams in Group B. So Saudi Arabia will be determined to win three points by applying pressure from the beginning. We need to find a way out and to aim for a victory," Park said. "Having to play on the opponent's home turf is also added pressure on Vietnam. But I believe my players will play well and wisely to overcome difficulties."

Saudi Arabia has already played five times in the World Cup, while Vietnam is making it to the final round of qualifiers for the first time.

Vietnam had earlier lost 0-4 and 0-5 to Saudi Arabia in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.

When a Saudi Arabian reporter wanted to know how Coach Park could change history, he said: "I don't want to answer that question because I was not Vietnam’s coach then. But I am sure that this year will be different."

"This is the first time Vietnam has reached the final round of World Cup qualifiers, but we also have experience against opponents from the Middle East in the Asian Cup 2019 and the Asian Games 2018. I believe my players will play well.

"We will uphold the spirit of Vietnam," Park added. "Especially, the match is taking place on Vietnam's National Day. I hope the players are energized to bring joy to the fans."

The clash between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia will take place at the King Saud University Stadium on Sept. 2 (1 a.m. Sept. 3 Hanoi time). It will be reported live on VnExpress International.

The Vietnamese players will later return to the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi to prepare for their next clash with Australia on Sept. 7.