Vietnam well prepared for China World Cup qualifying clash: coach Park

Speaking at the pre-game press conference on Wednesday, he said: "The clash between Vietnam and China is very important. Both teams have lost the first two matches so the target is to earn points and create momentum for the journey ahead. I understand that Vietnamese fans are really looking forward to the match.

"I have some pressure on me, but as a coach, I can take it. I have done everything to reduce the pressure on [the players]."

Vietnam have played China six times before and have yet to beat them. In the FIFA rankings, Vietnam are 95th and China are 20 places higher.

"The truth is China are higher than Vietnam in the rankings," Park said.

"They also have many neutralized players from other countries in the squad. In addition, their key scorer Wu Lei is playing football in Spain. The Chinese Super League is one of the best in Asia."

Park consulted some of his colleagues coaching in China about their style of play. One of his assistants, Park Choong-kyun, worked in China for three years from 2018.

Park said: "In the past, I have faced many clubs from China. I also coached the youth teams of South Korea against China many times. We have prepared well for this game. The players need to get rid of pressure. I told them to stay focused but comfortable and relaxed."

The match in the final round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers will be played at the Sharjah Stadium, which China chose as their ‘home’ ground.

It will kick off at midnight Hanoi time and will be broadcast live on VnExpress International.