On the afternoon of August 30, the Vietnam national football team held their first training session at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center, gearing up for the upcoming FIFA Days in September. This camp is part of the team’s preparations for international friendlies, including a highly anticipated match against Russia on September 5.
The players began gathering at the Grand Plaza Hotel before moving to the training center in Nam Tu Liem District for the session, which started at 5:30 PM. However, several key players were absent from the initial practice. Nguyen Tuan Anh, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy (both from Nam Dinh FC), and goalkeeper Trinh Xuan Hoang (Thanh Hoa FC) were unavailable due to their involvement in the 2024 National Super Cup match scheduled for August 31. Meanwhile, Que Ngoc Hai, Ho Tan Tai, Tien Linh, and Bui Vi Hao were occupied with their commitments to Binh Duong FC and are expected to join the national squad a day later.
The current squad list largely mirrors the one from June, as the V-League clubs are still in preseason preparations for the new campaign following the end of the 2023-2024 season on June 30. Head coach Kim Sang-sik has been scouting talent by observing friendly matches and the U21 league, with only a few clubs like Hanoi Police FC and Thanh Hoa FC having played official matches recently in the ASEAN Club Championship 2024-2025.
The squad has seen some changes due to injuries. Forward Nguyen Van Toan, sidelined with an ankle injury, has been replaced by Phan Van Duc. Van Duc impressed by scoring a long-range goal in Hanoi Police FC’s 2-1 victory over Buriram United on August 22, marking his return to the national team after a lengthy absence due to a knee ligament injury in April 2023. Previously, under coach Park Hang-seo, Van Duc was a versatile and regular starter.
Additionally, center-back Giap Tuan Duong was called up on August 29 to replace Bui Hoang Viet Anh, who suffered a knee ligament injury in the match against Buriram United. Born in 2002, Tuan Duong, from the PVF-CAND academy, is known for his strong left foot and robust playstyle, although he still lacks top-level experience. He will compete for a place alongside seasoned defenders like Que Ngoc Hai, Duc Chien, Thanh Chung, Phan Tuan Tai, and Thanh Binh.
Another player looking to make his mark is midfielder Nguyen Hai Long of Hanoi FC. The 23-year-old had a solid season, scoring seven goals in 36 appearances. Hai Long gained recognition at Quang Ninh under coach Phan Thanh Hung, but his progress slowed before reestablishing himself at Hanoi FC during the 2023-2024 season.
The national team has six days of preparation before their match against Russia on September 5. Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, who has Vietnamese and Russian citizenship, has garnered much attention ahead of this unique match. Although Van Lam recently moved from Binh Dinh FC to Ho Chi Minh City FC for the upcoming season, he remains a strong candidate for the starting goalkeeper position.
The coaching staff also welcomed a new assistant coach, Pham Thanh Luong, a former national team player known for his technical skills and as a four-time Vietnamese Golden Ball winner.
During the first training session, the coaching team led moderate exercises to help players acclimate to the national team environment. Media access was limited to the first 25 minutes, during which players participated in warm-ups, stretching, and light ball work.
The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie. Head coach Kim Sang-sik is focused on rebuilding the squad after the tenure of Philippe Troussier, with an eye on the 2024 AFF Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers next year, following the team’s exit from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Leave a Reply