Vietnam are said to have a 99.2% chance of cruising into the third round, according to We Global website. However, a draw or a win in its clash against the UAE will be the priority as it will help prove the country’s strength and position in the world of football.
A clash of two head coaches
During a press conference held ahead of the game, head coach Park Hang-seo stressed that he didn’t want his players to think about only recording a draw to progress to the third round, but to win to help build confidence ahead of the next round.
Vietnam recorded a 1-0 win over the UAE in their previous meeting, although since then the UAE have been playing much better, and the June 15 match would be hard for the former, Park said.
Along with the return of talented striker Ali Mabkhout, three naturalised players, Caio Canedo, Fabio de Lima, and Sebastián Tagliabué, are in the UAE line-up, and subduing them for 90 minutes is set to be a big challenge for Vietnam.
After their 2-1 win over Malaysia, Vietnamese players spent several days relaxing and then training for the June 15 game in which Park will not be able to perform his role due to his two year-low cards. However, the Korean strategist was confident that his assistants would know how to give instructions.
Meanwhile head coach Bert van Marwijk of the UAE team admitted that I would be a hard match for both sides though his men are now stronger than previously.
The UAE have changed their style of play and improved their physical ability. They have performed well and won the last three matches, thereby showing their improvements through the positive results.
A confrontation between attack and defence
Except for an injured Tuan Anh, most of the Vietnamese players are in good form for the crucial game. Hoang Duc played all 90 minutes against Malaysia, putting in an impressive performance.
Trong Hoang and Van Hau also recovered from their respective injuries. Meanwhile Hong Duy, Van Thanh, and Duc Huy excelled in both defence and midfield. Elsewhere, Tan Truong proved to be an excellent goalkeeper for Vietnam following his return.
As for the UAE, they are also in good form with key striker Ali Mabkhout the top scorer in the Asian qualifiers with 10 goals.
Therefore, the Vietnam-UAE match will be an interesting confrontation between the best defenders and best strikers of Group G.
If Vietnam, who top Group G, lose against the UAE, they will still have the chance to progress to the next round, while the UAE need a draw or win to have any hope of qualifying.