In theory, when the Japanese and Vietnam teams meet in the final match of the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup, the match is just a formality. Because while the home team won a ticket to the World Cup at the end of this year, the Vietnamese team has long lost their chance.
If any goals are set, it can only be that if Japan wants to keep the top spot in Group B, they need to win because they are currently only 1 point ahead of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese team can aim to overcome the Chinese team in the rankings (if the Chinese team loses to Oman, the Vietnamese team must win by 2 goals).
Mentions such goals but it is clear that reality shows that only Samurai Blue is capable of achieving their goals, because of their ability and the large difference in qualifications. The home team will not be allowed to relax, as coach Hajime Moriyasu has declared it a "victory to thank the fans". There were about 60,000 fans coming to Saitama Stadium for this match and of course, they did not want to see the players "release" them to their opponents.
At the pre-match press conference, coach Park Hang-seo mentioned the "good relationship between the two Football Federations of Japan and Vietnam" and later expressed dissatisfaction with the way the host country treated the Vietnamese team. However, it is necessary to clearly separate disease prevention from the relationship. COVID-19 does not distinguish between good and bad relationships.
The Vietnam team came to Japan with only 20 players, which caused the Korean coach to face a lot of pressure, even clearly showing his frustration. Will that affect the players?
Experts still say that the Vietnamese team should consider matches like this as an opportunity to learn, develop new ideas, and test personnel. However, Mr. Park always chooses the safe way - even when affirming the change. He only changes when he is forced, that is, when there is no other choice.
In addition to Tuan Hai being experimented with and leaving a good image, factors like To Van Vu (pre-concentrating time), or Adriano Schmidt still have no opportunity to show off. In fact, that is what experts and fans want to see, not necessarily the result aspect.
However, it is still difficult to see Schmidt in the starting lineup when Mr. Park still has Duc Chien to use with Viet Anh and Ngoc Hai in the center-back position. Playing with very technical Japanese players does not mean that physical strength is not needed. When they have high-level playing techniques and thinking, the ability to move and occupy space is always reasonable, forcing opponents to at least have the strength to compete.
However, in addition to Tuan Hai showing that he is physically fit enough to press, the Vietnamese team is lacking. Therefore, under great pressure from home fans, if the mentality is not good, the Vietnamese team will easily fall apart.
D'OAN: Japan 3-0 Vietnam
