Compared to 3 consecutive defeats against Russia, Thailand and Iraq, in the FIFA Days friendly match in October 2024, the Vietnamese team will meet an easier opponent, the Indian team.
Two years ago, the Indian team lost to Vietnam at Thong Nhat Stadium with a score of 0-3. Compared to that time, apart from Phan Van Duc who was not included in this training session, the two remaining goal scorers, Nguyen Van Toan and Nguyen Van Quyet, were both present.
Recently, according to the team formation when playing with Nam Dinh club (October 9), Van Toan played a dual role for the Vietnam team. Van Quyet, although placed in the B team, showed his value with his ability to connect between the lines.
According to the investigation, coach Kim Sang-sik highly appreciated Van Quyet after the recent practice match. Most likely, this striker will take on a strategic role in the Korean coach's calculations when Vietnam faces India.
There is reason to believe that Van Quyet and Van Toan will be starting, in the context that main striker Tien Linh is having a back problem, leaving open the possibility of playing.
In addition, young striker Bui Vi Hao is ready to play if given the opportunity. His form has been very stable recently, especially the double goal that helped Vietnam win against Nam Dinh a few days ago.
Coach Kim Sang-sik is also temporarily reassured about the defense. Previously, the framework with To Van Vu (right wing), Hong Duy (left wing), Thanh Binh, Ngoc Hai, Thanh Chung (center back) played solidly and kept a clean sheet in the second half when playing against Nam Dinh.
The current problem is only the midfielder problem, when Hoang Duc, Quang Hai, Van Truong, Thanh Long, Hung Dung are all quite similar in form at the present time.
If Mr. Kim "lifts up and puts down" between players of equal quality, coach Manolo Marquez does not have the most satisfactory squad in hand.
The current context of Indian football does not allow them to have high-quality players. The South Asian team's personnel are mostly players born after 1999, with limited experience.
The proof is that the Indian team just drew 0-0 with Mauritius (ranked 178th in the world) and lost 0-3 when facing Syria (ranked 92nd in the world).
It would not be surprising if the Indian team continues to lose to the Vietnamese team at Thien Truong Stadium. On the contrary, a big win will create psychological leverage for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team after recent unsatisfactory results.
Expected lineup:
Vietnam team: Goalkeeper Nguyen Filip, Ngoc Hai, Thanh Chung, Thanh Binh, Van Vu, Hong Duy, Thai Son, Hoang Duc, Van Toan, Van Quyet, Vi Hao.
Indian team: Goalkeeper Singh Sandhu, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Subashish Bose, Chahangte, Wangjam, Jeakson Singh, Nandha Sekar, Mavir Singh, Lalengmawia.
