The national team players took part in their second practice on September 2 ahead of their opening fixture against Thailand in the Asian zone’s second qualifying round for the World Cup 2022.

The two teams on Wednesday conducted a technical meeting and a pre-match press brief. In the afternoon of the same day, the Vietnamese footballers had their last training session at Thammasat Stadium. All eyes will be on an encounter between Vietnam’s Nguyen Quang Hai and Thailand’s Chanathip Songkrasin, the top forwards of Southeast Asia.

Chief coach Park Hang-seo now has his full squad to go into the important match against the hosts which will kick-off at 7pm on Thursday.

A Vietnamese fan said: “We are the best currently in Southeast Asia and I believe we will overcome this challenge.” 

Another football fan said: “I think the match will be nerve-wrecking, especially it takes place in Thailand. I hope our team will gain victory for better leverage in next matches.”

Commentator Vu Quang Huy is optimistic about the match, saying: “Against all challenges, Coach Park Hang-seo knows well how to inspire the players and create surprising factors. I hope this will be realized in the match on Thai pitch.”

Vietnam is placed in Group G along with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the UAE.