Futsal

Coach Diego Giustozzi Raul of Việt Nam (centre) speaks at HCM City's international futsal tournament on March 27. — Photos of VFF

HCM CITY — Việt Nam will warm up at an international friendly tournament ahead of the AFC Futsal Cup on March 28-31 in HCM City.

The hosts will entertain Morocco, Iraq and New Zealand in a round robin event at the Lãnh Binh Thăng Gymnasium.

The winners will pocket US$5,000 while two runners-up will take $3,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Speaking at a press briefing on March 27, coach Adil Sayeh of Morocco thanked organisers for the invitation to the competition where they would play three strong rivals.

He said Iraq and Việt Nam were powerful, while New Zealand were first team qualified for the World Cup.

Morocco's target was learning as much as possible. Winning or losing was not so important.

Sayed brought young players to HCM City as his seniors are busy with the African championship.

It would be good opportunity for his young players to sharpen skills as they will be core of the world No 8 in the future.

Representatives at the press conference.

Coach Marvin Eakins of New Zealand appreciated Sayed for considering his side a strong opponent, but noted that in fact, New Zealand were young and inexperienced.

The tournament was for them to test their ability and prepare for the future.

Meanwhile coach Diego Giustozzi Raul of Việt Nam said the tournament was good for all teams, but unfortunately, he would not have the best players competing because of injuries.

Some young faces would take their place and hope that they would shine, he said.

The strongest team of the friendly is Iraq who place No 7 in the world.

Iraq won World Cup bronze in 2016 when Việt Nam were stopped in the quarter-finals.

Iraq could not take part in the briefing due to flight delays. — VNS