Head Coach Kim Sang Sik has provided an update on the fitness of key players Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Nguyen Tien Linh ahead of Vietnam’s friendly match against India on October 12. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Kim revealed that both players are not yet fully fit, having been hampered by injuries during training.
“Tien Linh and Viet Anh are not at 100% fitness, they are still recovering from injuries,” Kim said. “However, it’s not about who plays tomorrow; the entire team is focused on securing the best possible result. Even with some injuries, I trust in the squad’s ability to perform as a cohesive unit.”
Vietnam’s recent performances have been underwhelming, with the team conceding at least two goals in each of their last six matches. When asked about his defensive strategy, Kim admitted there wouldn’t be many changes but expressed confidence in his team’s collective strength.
“We haven’t changed much in defense, but if we work together as a unified block, we will see positive results. The key is teamwork, and with the effort the players have shown, I believe we’ll achieve a favorable outcome against India,” he explained. “I am not too worried because this friendly match serves as the final preparation before the AFF Cup. The team has made significant improvements in fitness and tactics, and we are ready to face the challenges ahead.”
The match against India is crucial for Vietnam as they prepare for the upcoming AFF Cup, a major regional competition. Vietnam, who have struggled defensively, will be looking to rebuild confidence and regain momentum ahead of the tournament. This friendly offers a final opportunity to fine-tune the lineup and strategy before the highly anticipated regional showdown.
Nguyen Tien Linh, one of the top scorers in V-League 2024/2025, has been an integral part of Vietnam’s offensive play. Despite not being fully fit, his inclusion on the squad suggests that Coach Kim may still count on his contributions, even if he doesn’t start the match. Similarly, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, a key defensive player and one of the team’s vice-captains, is expected to play a crucial role once fully recovered.
Midfielder Dinh Bac, one of the younger talents in the squad, spoke confidently about his readiness for the match against India. “I feel I’m in the best shape, both physically and mentally,” Dinh Bac said. “Whether I start the game or come off the bench, I will give everything for the national team in tomorrow’s match.”
The friendly against India will be an important test for Vietnam, who currently rank 116th in the world, 10 places ahead of India. While the rankings suggest Vietnam has the upper hand, Coach Kim emphasized that the match is more about performance and preparation than results.
The match will kick off at 6 PM on October 12 at the Thien Truong Stadium in Nam Dinh.
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