Vietnam will host Thailand at 8:00PM tonight at My Dinh stadium for a 2022 World Cup qualifier. The team are determined to defeat Thailand at home to consolidate their position in Group G.

The fans are tense with anticipation but they just got some bad news.

Forward Nguyen Anh Duc has announced he will retire from football after the match tonight.

“Every journey has an end. I feel proud and honored to have played for Vietnam with so many talented players. Throughout this journey, the Vietnam national team and I have received much support, encouragement, and love from the fans.

I want to thank you all for your love and support. I wish Vietnam more success and achievements in the future.”

It will be a great loss for Vietnam. Under coach Park Hang-seo, Anh Duc has been the number one striker in the 3-4-3 formation and was a big contributor to Vietnam’s 2018 AFF Cup Championship. His goal in the 2018 AFF Cup final was the best goal of the tournament.

But Anh Duc’s retirement will inspire other Vietnamese players’ determination to defeat Thailand as a farewell gift to him.