Talking to the press before the training session on January 6, midfielder Nguyen Van Toan said the whole squad is eager for the match, saying he hopes that they will have a good game and meet expectations.

Vietnamese players in a training session in Abu Dhabi on January 6.

He added that although Iraq is a strong team in Asia, Vietnamese players are still confident and looking forward to a successful match.

As this is the leading tournament of Asia, the team respects all of the rivals. Additionally, the players have a clear viewpoint that they must not be complacent about their achievements over the past year, but stay focused to get ready for the Asian Cup.

The midfielder hoped that the Asian Cup 2019 will be a successful tourney for himself as well as the whole Vietnamese team.

The match against Iraq will kick off at Zayed Sport City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, at 5:30pm (UAE time) on January 8.

Vietnam are pooled with Iran, Iraq and Yemen in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup 2019.

After playing Iraq, the team will face Asian heavyweights Iran on January 12 before wrapping up their group stage journey with a match against Yemen on January 16.

In a recent interview with Tasnim News Agency of Iran, head coach Park Hang-seo said the first goal of Vietnam – the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 champions – is to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament.

No rest for Vietnamese football stars

After an incredible 2018, Vietnam’s footballers are set for another busy year with three key international tournaments. The first is the final round of the Asian Cup which will kick off on January 5 in the United Arab Emirates.

 

First football tourney for disadvantaged children slated for 2019

The first football tournament for disadvantaged children nationwide is set to take place in 2019, heard a press briefing in Hanoi on December 26.

 

Vietnamese outstanding footballers in 2018 honoured

Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung won the Vietnam Golden Ball award during a ceremony honoring Vietnam’s Best Players in 2018 was held in Ho Chi Minh City on December 22.

 

Prime Minister: Football inspires patriotism, national pride

Football has inspired patriotism and national pride, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on December 21 when hosting the national football team and head coach Park Hang-seo who have just won the trophy of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018.

 

Park receives special award at home after success with Vietnamese football

Ahead of the 2018 AFF Cup final return leg this weekend, Vietnam coach Park Hang-seo received good news as he was named among the 12 winners of the “Persons of the Year 2018 Awards” by the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK), at a ceremony held at the Convention Hall of the Kookmin Ilbo building in Yeouido, Seoul, on December 12.

 

Source: VNA