Việt Nam U23 team train in Thailand. They will face Jordan at the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 today. — Photo vff.org.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam face a must-win clash against Jordan in AFC U23 Championships today in Thailand, according to head coach Park Hang-seo.

Following the 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Group D’s opener on Friday, Park said taking all three points against Jordan was vitally important.

Jordan currently top Group D on three points after a 2-1 win again North Korea, while the UAE and Việt Nam are in second and third.

To prepare for the game, both Việt Nam and Jordan trained behind closed doors on Sunday.

At present, no Vietnamese players are injured but two piked up yellow cards against the UAE.

South Korean coach Park said his players needed to kick-on from their scoreless opener against the UAE and that quicker transitional play would be crucial for them to triumph.

“We collected a point from a difficult first game, which is fine. But now the challenge for us is to be sharper, work on our transition from attack to defence and vice-versa," Park said, according to the-afc.com.

“We have to make certain tweaks to our tactics based on the opponents and the requirements of the match, but in terms of effort, I was happy with the way the players performed in the first match. They gave it their all,” Park added.

According to midfielder and captain Nguyễn Quang Hải, the draw with UAE meant there was no room for error against Jordan.

Midfielder Triệu Việt Hưng from V.League 1 side Hoàng Anh Gia Lai expressed his belief in his team for the upcoming match.

“Jordan are a difficult team. They are very strong and fast. However, we will try our best to take three points,” said Hưng.

Though Hưng didn’t play in the opener, he is considered a secret weapon of coach Park.

“The head coach will decide the team. If I am allowed to compete, I will make every effort to complete my tasks,” said Hưng.

Meanwhile, coach Ahmed Abdel Qader of Jordan said he had watched Việt Nam thoroughly and they had skillful players, but he was ready to take advantage of the side's weaknesses.

Qader said his team were very excited, in good form and would aim to play on the front foot and secure an early place in the quarter-finals.

The match will take place at 8.15pm today at Buriram Stadium. Việt Nam News will live blog the match on our website and Twitter page.

Việt Nam will then take on North Korea in their final group game at the Rajamangala Stadium on Thursday, while Jordan will face the UAE. — VNS