In the process of preparing for the 2026 Asian Futsal Championship finals, the Vietnamese futsal team had 2 quality training matches with the Afghanistan futsal team in Ho Chi Minh City. Through these matches, head coach Diego Giustozzi highly appreciated the professional value of the series of matches, and pointed out the specific requirements that the team needs to continue to improve before entering the continental arena.
Assessing the past 2 matches, the Argentine coach said: "The two matches against Afghanistan have shown us the points that need to be improved and the ability of the team. I have no doubt about the technical level of the players, but we cannot just play with technique, we need to be more decisive, more experienced and understand each situation better. Afghanistan has participated in the recent World Cup, so this is the necessary level to reach the World Cup. I am satisfied because after these matches, we can clearly define the goals and know what we need to improve.
According to coach Diego Giustozzi, the series of matches with Afghanistan is an important orientation for the next preparation phase of the Vietnamese futsal team. He analyzed: "When facing Southeast Asian teams such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia or Myanmar, the physical and technical level is somewhat equivalent. But when facing other opponents in Asia with different physical foundations and quality of play, we need to improve. These two matches help me better understand how to work in the coming days to prepare for matches against opponents of that level".
Besides professional factors, the Argentine strategist also pays attention to the force situation, especially the return of two ala players Tran Thai Huy and Chau Doan Phat after injury. Coach Diego Giustozzi shared: "I am very happy that they have had the necessary minutes of play. Thai Huy surprised me, although he has not reached his peak form, he plays very confidently, not afraid at all. Doan Phat needs more time, but I see him clearly progressing from the first match to the second match. Step by step, we need them to be ready to participate in the upcoming Asian tournament".
According to the plan, the Vietnamese futsal team will depart for Indonesia on January 24 to participate in the 2026 Asian Futsal Championship finals. Before the departure, head coach Diego Giustozzi will finalize the official list of 14 players.
In the upcoming tournament, the Vietnamese futsal team is in Group B with highly rated opponents including the defending Asian runner-up Thailand, Kuwait and Lebanon.
