Football

Vietnamese players seen in a training on October 11 at the Nam ĐỊnh Province's Thiên Trường Stadium. Việt Nam will play India in a FIFA Days friendly match on October 12. Photo of VFF

NAM ĐỊNH — Kim Sang-sik was confident for a win for Việt Nam while Manolo Marquez said the FIFA friendly match would be tough for India but still believed in a good result when they meet each other on October 12 in Nam Định Province.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference South Korean Kim said his side suffered losses in the previous friendlies but he did not make many changes in his team when they host India.

He confirmed that if players compete with solidarity, beating India would not be a big issue.

"I have nothing to be worried. This match would be our last practice before the AFF Cup. Recently, my players have been in good physical condition and thoroughly prepared for the important competitions. I believe we will have good results," said Kim whose key strikers suffer injuries.

"It is a pity that (Nguyễn Tiến) Linh and (Phạm Tuấn) Hải got their injuries when playing in the V.League 1. But I have other good attacking players. I believe that they can score tomorrow."

In this FIFA Days, Kim collected a team of both experienced and young players who, in his opinion, would work well with each other to make up a united and better Việt Nam team.

He hoped to see big crowd of supporters at the Thiên Trường Stadium where his players would give the best to please them.

Young scorer Nguyễn Đình Bắc also took part in the conference, saying that he well adapted with Kim's tactics and was ready for the game.

"This is the first time I have worked with Kim in an official match. I believe that I can meet his requirements. My teammates and I are in best mood and fitness. Whether I'm a starter or a substitute, I will try my best to contribute to the team," he said.

Coach Manolo Marquez of India praised Việt Nam as a strong team which strongly developed in recent years. But the match would be good for his team to be improved.

"It’s a good opportunity for India when playing against a team which advanced to a third qualification round of the World Cup. I believe Việt Nam are a difficult rival but we will play well and be a tough team for them," he said.

Indian players practise on October 11. The visiting side expect a win over the host. Photo of Indian Football Team

Spanish Marquez showed that he clearly knew Vietnamese football as he named all top scorers of the hosts which also had strong defence.

India did not have much time to make familiar with the weather and facility in Nam Định but the good weather would be an ideal condition for the game. India came to Việt Nam to end their winless streak.

Midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam also confirmed the team's winning target.

"We are here for a win because India have not won for a period. Việt Nam are a good team but we have well prepared with five courses of training. We understand each other and the coaching board's tactics. My team will contribute our all tomorrow," he said.

Việt Nam are currently world No 116, 10 steps higher than India.

In the most recent encounter between both these sides back in 2022 in HCM City, the hosts won convincingly by a 3-0 margin in the Hưng Thịnh Friendly Tournament. VNS