Last night (June 9), the Vietnam national team had their second training session in Iraq, preparing for their crucial final match of the second round of the World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers. This match is pivotal for Vietnam as they need to avoid defeat and ideally secure a win to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Speaking to the media before the match, Quang Hai acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents: “Iraq is a very strong team with technically skilled and fast players. Our entire team needs to prepare meticulously to compete against them.”
Quang Hai, known for his knack of scoring against West Asian teams, has produced memorable goals, such as the stunning strike against Saudi Arabia in the third round of the World Cup 2022 qualifiers and the impressive free-kick against Yemen in the 2019 Asian Cup. He also scored the equalizer in Vietnam’s 2-2 draw with Iraq in the 2023 Asian Cup.
The midfielder from Hanoi Police FC exudes confidence: “I always believe in myself and will give 100% if given the opportunity. Along with my teammates, I will strive to play our best game and achieve the best result for our Vietnamese football fans.”
Facing Iraq away, Vietnam will contend with the pressure from the home supporters. Quang Hai commented on this challenge: “Playing in a stadium full of home fans has both positive and negative aspects. We have experienced many big matches, so it’s not an issue. The whole team will try to perform well, see it as encouragement, and enter the field with confidence and unity.”
Vietnam’s head coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are aware of the stakes. A win against Iraq, combined with favorable results from other matches, could see Vietnam advance to the next round. Despite the challenges, including acclimating to Iraq’s harsh summer temperatures and managing the time difference, the Vietnamese squad remains focused and determined.
The match against Iraq, set to take place at the Basra International Stadium, is scheduled for 1:00 AM (Vietnam time) on June 12. Vietnam’s journey in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers has been a rollercoaster, and this upcoming clash represents a make-or-break moment.
With the blend of experienced players and young talents, the Vietnamese team aims to deliver a strong performance, driven by the desire to make their nation proud. The anticipation and hope of fans back home will undoubtedly serve as a significant source of motivation for Quang Hai and his teammates as they take on Iraq in this decisive encounter.
Leave a Reply