Futsal

Việt Nam are in Group A at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup on April 17-28, 2024 in Thailand. Photos of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam will begin their 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup campaign in Group A following a recent draw held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The former World Cup participant will face hosts Thailand, Myanmar and China at the tournament scheduled for April 17-28, 2024. 

Group B will see four-time runners-up Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Australia battling for the two quarter-final spots.

Japan will begin the defence of their title in Group C. The four-time champions are the top seeds, along with Tajikistan, South Korea and Kyrgyz Republic.

Iran, runners-up in 2022, lead the Group D cast, with Kuwait, Bahrain and debutants Afghanistan for company. 

The top four finishers at the Cup will qualify for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, which will take place between September 14 and October 6, 2024, marking the first time the global showpiece will be held in Central Asia. 

Should Uzbekistan, who have already qualified for the World Cup as hosts, advance to the semi-finals, the four losing quarter-finalists will playoff for the fourth ticket. 

Việt Nam's chance

After the draw, pundits said Group A was easy for Việt Nam. Thailand have always been a tough rival in the world, while Myanmar and China are not as good as Việt Nam, meaning a door to the next stage is wide open to coach Giustozzi Diego Raul and his team.

“We will play totally different rivals compared to the 2022 tournament. Since the previous event, players showed strong progress and we are ready to play any team that we could not do previously," said Raul.

Giustozzi Diego Raul believes in his team after they have gained fluency with his playing style and shown their progress.

"I feel well when knowing the draw result. It is because I have built up a team that can make me feel at peace and confident in competition."

The former World Cup champion coach said in fact Thailand were still a biggest rival of Việt Nam in Group A. China were next as they played in 13 final rounds. Myanmar would play their second time at the Cup but they grew strongly recently. At the regional championship in 2022 Myanmar topped the group round which included Việt Nam. They also created challenges before losing to Việt Nam in the penalty kicks in the third place playoff.

"Thailand will play on home ground. They beat Việt Nam in all meets. But this time, I have good feeling with my team," said Raul.

"China are developing as their national championship have had foreign players and coach. It makes them stronger. Myanmar are still a rival to watch in all events.

I have set up my team playing style. Players knew my tactics and they make me confident. There is some work to do in the next period where my team would have nine to 10 matches for practice."

The team will gather for training in mid-March in HCM City. They will sharpen their skills at an international friendly tournament with three quality teams on March 28-31.

According to VFF Vice President Trần Anh Tú the team would have a training course in Thailand and they would have more friendly matches as a final touch for the Asian Cup.

“VFF believes that our good preparation will help Việt Nam complete a mission of winning a World Cup ticket for the third time in history," Tú said. VNS