Vietnam national football team receive warm welcome in Qatar

After an eight-hour flight, the team arrived at Doha International Airport at 5 p.m. (Hanoi time). Since the team came here for an international tournament, their entry process was carried out quickly.

Welcoming Vietnam were the five mascots of Asian Cup this year named Saboog, Tmbki, Freha, Zkriti and Traeneh.

They took inspiration from jerboas, a signature hopping desert rodent in Qatar. The five rodents with different colors also represent a family.

Volunteers at the airport gifted mascots and flowers to members of the team.

The temperature in Qatar is about 16 degrees Celsius at night and 26 degrees at noon with long sunny hours.

Outside the airport, a small group of Vietnamese fans welcomed the team.

They brought out the Vietnamese national flag and asked for photographs of some players, including goalkeeper Filip Nguyen (L).

The team then moved to the four-star hotel Holiday Villa, 10 minutes from the airport.

Vietnamese fans in Doha waited at the hotel to welcome the team. Head coach Philippe Troussier (3rd, L) is no stranger to this country as he used to coach Qatar national team in 2003 and 2004.

The hotel prepared a welcome party, with a cake specially made for the team.

The players had a buffet lunch after that.

Photos of some Vietnamese players were framed and put on the shelf at the hotel, showing a thorough preparation of the host for their guests.

After lunch, Troussier announced the schedule for the team in the meeting room. Before dinner, the team practiced in the gym and relaxed in the swimming pool before a training session on Saturday.