Football

Vietnamese players train for the AFC U23 Asian Cup's quarter-finals against Iraq on April 26 in Doha, Qatar.

HÀ NỘI -- Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn of Việt Nam will make changes in the AFC U23 Asian Cup's quarter-final match against Iraq on April 26 in Doha, Qatar.

Việt Nam finished second in Group D and will face Iraq who topped Group C.

“As I said after the Uzbekistan match, the stronger team won and we predicted it. Now we will focus on Iraq," Tuấn said at a press briefing on April 25.

"I told the players, all teams were strong. It meant that we could have a win, a draw and even a loss. We are always ready and respect our rivals.

"In the past we played Iraq in different competition levels and suffered many losses. But it doesn't mean that the same result will happen. In football, the gap between quality doesn't always decide the winner. Many elements are needed to win a game. I hope that my players can make a big change tomorrow."

Việt Nam's U23s beat Iraq once in the quarter-finals in 2018 when they achieved the team's historic silver medal. However, at the senior level, Việt Nam have lost in every match.

The Vietnamese manager said in the group stage, Iraq lost 2-0 to Thailand. But it did not make them a weak team. Việt Nam must prepare carefully for the game as this is the knock-out rounds.

Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn of Việt Nam (right) and coach Radhi Shenaishil of Iraq a the press briefing on April 25.

"Definitely, we will have changes in the starting XI while our playing style is clearly. I will ensure to have best players and most suitable tactics for this match," Tuấn said.

"We are not here just to participate in the tournament but to compete for good results."

Captain Quan Văn Chuẩn also took part in the briefing. He praised the Iraqi front line who scored six goals in the group round thanks to their diversified style

“They prefer opening attacks in the midfield and also have good passes from both wings. We must have solution to limit their passes effectively, bringing the ball away from my area," the goalkeeper said.

Goalkeeper Quan Văn Chuẩn in a training session on April 25.

Coach Radhi Shenaishil said he really liked the Việt Nam team which had its own aspirations and goals to reach the semi-finals. Iraq must prepare very carefully both tactically and mentally and respect the team.

Midfielder Muntadher Mohammed also confirmed Việt Nam's having played against them before.

Iraq lost to Thailand in the group stage so they needed to be carefully in the next match and a repeat of their loss he said, adding that his team must be focused to beat Việt Nam, he said. VNS