In the pre-tournament press conference ahead of the 2024 U19 International Tournament in Weinan, China, head coach Hua Hien Vinh expressed high regard for the quality of participating teams and emphasized the significance of this tournament for the Vietnam U19 team’s preparation for upcoming official competitions.
“First, I would like to thank the Chinese Football Association for inviting the Vietnam U19 team to this international tournament. This is an excellent opportunity for our U19 players to gain valuable match experience and refine their playing style as we prepare for the U19 Southeast Asia Championship in July and the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers in September,” Hua Hien Vinh said in his opening remarks at the press conference.
In recent years, Vietnamese football has garnered significant attention from the Chinese media, and the participation of the Vietnam U19 team in this international tournament is no exception. The local journalists had closely studied the Vietnam U19 team’s lineup and inquired about the use of many players born in 2006 and 2007 instead of focusing on those born in 2005, as seen with other teams. Addressing this, Hua Hien Vinh explained: “Our squad may be the youngest among the four teams in this tournament. We have several players born in 2005 who could join the U19 team, but they are currently committed to their club schedules during a critical phase of domestic competitions. Therefore, this tournament serves as a valuable opportunity for our 2006 and 2007 born players to showcase their abilities and advance their careers.”
Coach Hua Hien Vinh further elaborated: “The Vietnam U19 team is not only preparing for regional and continental competitions but also aims to provide a platform for young players to develop. These young athletes need to accumulate experience through numerous matches and consistently compete against strong opponents like South Korea, China, and Uzbekistan in this tournament. We hope that this experience will help them improve and build momentum for upcoming official tournaments, ultimately progressing to the national team. This aligns with the Vietnam Football Federation’s (VFF) strategy to ensure players have ample opportunities to compete in as many tournaments as possible.”
On behalf of the Vietnam U19 team, coach Hua Hien Vinh expressed gratitude for the warm and enthusiastic welcome from the host organizers since the team’s arrival in Weinan, China. He also praised the quality of the playing facilities and hoped that the Vietnam U19 team, along with their counterparts from China, South Korea, and Uzbekistan, would deliver exciting matches for the fans.
The U19 International Tournament in Weinan, scheduled from June 10 to June 20, is set to feature high-level competition, providing a critical platform for young talents to gain exposure and experience. This tournament is a pivotal part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to cultivate a strong pipeline of talent for future national team success.
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