Thắng finalises Việt Nam squad for crucial Iraq game

March 26, 2016 - 09:00

Coach Nguyễn Hữu Thắng has finalised his list of 23 players who will travel to Iran for a match against Iraq in the last match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 Asian Cup joint-qualifiers next week.

Vietnamese players celebrate during their 4-1 win over Chinese Taipei. -- Photo vff.org.vn

HÀ NỘI-- Coach Nguyễn Hữu Thắng has finalised his squad of 23 players who will travel to play Iraq in Iran in the final match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 Asian Cup joint-qualifiers on Tuesday, March 29.

Thắng said he was satisfied with his players in 4-1 victory over Taipei on Thursday and decided to only drop injured striker Lê Văn Thắng who will be replaced by midfielder Đinh Tiến Thành.

Việt Nam will leave for Tehran this weekend and will face a team who are looking for a new manager after Yahya Alwan suddenly resigned on Friday.

Alwan offered his resignation after Iraw were held 2-2 by Thailand in Group F’s other match on Thursday in Tehran.

Abdul Ghani Shahad will temporally take charge of the Iraqi team.

The unexpected draw pushed Iraq to the second position of the group with nine points.

While Thailand have secured their place in the last qualification round, the final spot is still up for grabs, Iran can qualify by beating or drawing with Việt Nam while the Vietnamese need a win. -- VNS

 

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