Việt Nam’s head coach Park Hang-seo and striker Nguyễn Văn Toàn at the press conference between Việt Nam and Indonesia in the World Cup qualifier in Indonesia yesterday. Việt Nam set to beat Indonesia. Photo phapluatplus.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI Việt Nam’s head coach Park Hang-seo is confident his charges will secure a win against Indonesia in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers today.

The game will take place at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Bali.

Việt Nam gained their first win of the qualification campaign against Malaysia last Thursday after they were held to a goalless draw by Thailand in their opener last month. Meanwhile, Indonesia have lost all three of their qualifiers so far.

“Việt Nam had a difficult match at home against Malaysia. Tomorrow, we have another game with Indonesia away. Our rivals are very strong but fans can beleieve in us,” said South Korean coach Park at the press conference in Indonesia yesterday.

According to Park, each team has different strong points. Malaysia's teams is built around domestic players, while Indonesia have several naturalised players from the Netherlands and Brazil.

“I watched the match between Thailand and Indonesia. Indonesia had four naturalised footballers in the attack. I also know that they have naturalised a Brazilian defender,” said Park.

“Indonesia are a strong team with good players, however, we are prepared to get a victory,” Park affirmed.

Yesterday, Park selected a 23-man squad, with midfielder Nguyễn Tuấn Anh and young striker Nguyễn Trọng Hùng dropped.

According to Park, he didn’t select Anh to ensure his recovery from the injury he sustained against Malaysia at Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hà Nội.

“Anh’s leg injury isn’t too serious but I want to protect him,” said Park.

Meanwhile, coach Simon McMenemy of Indonesia said Việt Nam would present his side a tough game but they will face Việt Nam with an united spirit.

The Scotsman said they will try their best after suffering a 5-0 thrashing away to the United Arab Emirates.

The 41-year-old coach said his team still have a desire to win and will surely test Việt Nam.

McMenemy also revealed that he is rather familiar with Vietnamese football as he used to work for Đồng Tâm Long An Club in V.League 1 so he understands Việt Nam's way of playing as well as their strengths and weaknesses.

He also praised Việt Nam’s progress in the past three years and said Indonesia’s three straight losses will not affect his players’ psychology or performance.

In the last five meetings between the two sides, Việt Nam have one win, Indonesia have one win and the other three fixtures were draws.

The game will take place at 6.30pm Hà Nội time. VNS