Việt Nam team seen in a training to prepare for the match with the UAE in the World Cup 2022 qualifier in the Asian zone’s second qualification round today. — Photo baoquocte.vn
HÀ NỘI — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be desperate to beat Việt Nam and keep their World Cup qualifications hopes on track tonight, according to Việt Nam’s head coach Park Hang-seo.
At present, the UAE are third in Group G of the World Cup 2022 Asian zone’s second qualification round with six points, behind Thailand and Việt Nam, who both have seven.
With only the eight group winners and four best runners-up progressing to the final round of qualification, the match at Hà Nội's Mỹ Đình Stadium is a must-win for the away side.
South Korean coach Park told a press conference in Hà Nội yesterday that their loss to Thailand had put the UAE in a weak position, so they would throw the kitchen sink at the 'Golden Stars'.
“The match with Việt Nam has vital meaning for the UAE. They will try their best to take a win. That is sure. I believe the UAE will choose a time in the game to play at all costs,” said Park.
“However, we analysed and have plans to face that situation,” Park added.
Park had high praise for his opposite number, UAE coach Bert van Marwijk, who led the Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup.
“Marwijk is a good trainer. He often uses the counterattack and UAE also often maintain their force in the midfield. It will be a hard game for Việt Nam, but we enter every match with the state of mind of seeking a win,” said Park.
Meanwhile, van Marwijk said Việt Nam were the strongest team in Group G.
According to the Dutchman, Việt Nam have a quality line-up and a very good way of playing. He also said he was impressed with Việt Nam's diverse tactics, which he had studied extensively.
The UAE trained in Thailand before coming to Việt Nam.
Yesterday, Park announced his final 23-man squad for the match, releasing Nguyễn Trọng Hùng of Thanh Hóa and Ngân Văn Đại of Hà Nội FC from the 25-man edition.
The squad has changed little since the last two qualifiers against Malaysia and Indonesia, with key players like Đoàn Văn Hậu, Nguyễn Công Phượng, Nguyễn and goalie Đặng Văn Lâm all available.
On the other side, the UAE will have to do without striker Ali Mabkhout as he has been suspended for receiving two yellow cards. Mabkhout has scored six goals in this World Cup qualifying round.
A team of referees from Japan will officiate the upcoming match led by Jumpei Iida, who refereed Việt Nam’s 1-0 victory against Thailand in the King’s Cup in June this year.
The match kicks off at 8pm and will be live broadcast on VTC1 and VTC3.
At present, the UAE are third in Group G with six points, behind Thailand and Việt Nam, who have the same points of seven.
Việt Nam News will also provide live blog coverage of the match on our website vietnamnews.vn and our Twitter page @VietnamNewsVNS. — VNS
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