The Vietnam futsal team is actively training in Ho Chi Minh City, preparing for the 33rd SEA Games. During this final period, head coach Diego Giustozzi emphasized the highest spirit of the whole team, considering each match as a real final match, while aiming for a long-term goal for the future of Vietnamese futsal.
The whole team approached the SEA Games with the highest spirit, considering each match as a real final match, and at the same time aiming for the long-term goal for the future of Vietnamese futsal, he shared.
According to coach Diego Giustozzi, this gathering is not only to serve the 33rd SEA Games but also an important preparation step for the 2026 Asian futsal finals.
"We have two goals in this preparation period. First is towards the 33rd SEA Games, second is preparing for the 2026 Asian Futsal Championship. I have a dream and believe that this young generation can aim for the next World Cup, said the Argentine strategist.
He emphasized that rejuvenating the force helps players compete in a highly competitive environment, improving their expertise and enhancing their competitive spirit.
In the context of the team having difficulty finding an international friendly match before the SEA Games, coach Diego Giustozzi is still optimistic: "Our last match took place 2 months ago. Life sometimes faces some obstacles but the coach will find a way to overcome them. The team is now completely different from when I first came here. Before, we always had difficulties, but now the team knows how to play to pressure the opponent from the back. The results and performance of the team in the recent Asian qualifiers are proof. We are gradually getting closer to top Asian teams such as Thailand, Iran or Japan.
The Argentine coach also expressed confidence in the current force: "The testing and screening phase has passed. The players present this time all meet the tactical requirements. I am very happy to have 2 more young players in the training session. It is a headache to have to choose 14 players to participate in the 33rd SEA Games.
With a schedule of 4 consecutive matches for 4 days, coach Diego Giustozzi emphasized: With a round-robin format, each upcoming match is a final, no mistakes allowed. The opening match against Malaysia is the most important, because they are improving very quickly and getting closer to us. The team must focus on each match.
Recognizing that the expectation of winning a SEA Games medal is both a pressure and a motivation, he said: At the national team level, the pressure is always present. But this is also an opportunity for Vietnam futsal to win its first title. We used to play well against Thailand and Indonesia, so there is no reason not to aim for this goal.
Meanwhile, captain Pham Duc Hoa emphasized: "The Vietnam futsal team is aiming for the 33rd SEA Games with the highest determination".
He assessed the current force as the strongest in recent years, with the combination of young players and experienced pillars, creating a "new wind" to help the whole team maintain a positive competitive spirit.
Regarding personal aspirations, the captain shared: "If I win a coach, it will be a historic milestone and the most complete way for me to end my journey in the national team jersey."
