Sharing at the press conference before the group stage held at noon on April 5, coach Diego Giustozzi emphasized: "This is the first time I have come to Asia to work. The beginning was quite difficult, but now I understand my players more after working with them for a while.
In the past 1-2 years, we have improved our psychology, changed the way we operate our playing style and are going in the right direction in the plan to compete for a World Cup spot at the upcoming Asian finals".
According to the Argentine coach, the Vietnamese futsal team possesses a young, potential force but needs more international matches to mature. "Our team is still young, we need more matches to mature.
I am satisfied with the progress of the players as well as the support from the Vietnam Football Federation. I myself am focusing 100% on the goal of competing for a spot in the 2028 World Cup," he said.
Assessing the picture of Asian futsal, coach Giustozzi said that the level of competition is increasing, with 10-12 teams capable of competing for tickets to the World Cup.
He emphasized that tournaments such as the 2026 Southeast Asian Futsal Championship help players accumulate real-world experience: "We need to maximize official tournaments so that players have more experience. I am very happy to work with the team and witness their progress every day.
The Vietnamese futsal team gathers from March 16 in Ho Chi Minh City and trains in Thailand from March 30, playing two practice matches with Hong Yen Takam and Blackpearl Clubs.
Coach Giustozzi finalized the list of 14 players for the tournament, in which goalkeeper Tran Van Luong did not participate. Most players have international experience, except for Nguyen Thac Hieu - a young face who was given the opportunity for the first time.
In Group A, the Vietnam futsal team will successively meet Myanmar (April 6), Timor-Leste (April 7) and host Thailand (April 8). Thailand is considered a bright candidate for the championship.
