The ASEAN Cup 2024 (formerly known as the AFF Cup) has undergone a significant schedule change, prompting the Vietnam national team to adjust its preparation plans unexpectedly.
New Schedule for ASEAN Cup 2024
Recently, the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) announced a revised schedule for the ASEAN Cup 2024. To accommodate Southeast Asian clubs participating in the AFC Champions League, AFC Cup, and AFC President’s Cup, the AFF has decided to postpone the start of the ASEAN Cup 2024 from November 23 to December 9. Consequently, the end date has also been shifted from December 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Adjustments for the Vietnam National Team
Due to this rescheduling, the Vietnam national team will need to make adjustments to its training and preparation plans. Initially, the team planned to gather and play friendly matches during the FIFA Days in November (from November 10 to November 18). However, with the new schedule, head coach Kim Sang Sik and his squad will now assemble from November 21.
V-League Schedule Adaptation
During the FIFA Days in November, the Vietnam national team will not play any matches, allowing the V-League 2024/2025 to continue with two additional rounds of fixtures. This adjustment aims to prevent clubs from facing a congested match schedule later in the season.
Preparation Through Friendly Matches
Despite not playing during the November FIFA Days, the Vietnam national team will still participate in four friendly matches during the FIFA Days in September and October. These matches are crucial for the team to maintain optimal preparation for the ASEAN Cup 2024 and the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. Additionally, the national team is expected to engage in international friendlies during the 18-day training camp before the start of the ASEAN Cup 2024.
Impact and Future Plans
The scheduling change for the ASEAN Cup 2024 presents both challenges and opportunities for the Vietnam national team. While the adjustment disrupts the initial preparation timeline, it also provides additional time for players to rest and recover between matches. The friendly matches in September and October, coupled with the intensive training camp in November, will ensure that the team is well-prepared and in peak condition for the competition.
As the Vietnam national team adjusts to these changes, fans and stakeholders will be closely watching how the new schedule impacts the team’s performance in both the ASEAN Cup 2024 and the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. The extended preparation period and the planned friendly matches are expected to bolster the team’s readiness and competitiveness on the regional and continental stages.
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