Today, November 19, head coach Kim Sang Sik unveiled a preliminary roster of 30 players for the Vietnam national team as preparations begin for the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024. The squad will be finalized after Thep Xanh Nam Dinh completes its AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 group stage commitments.
Stable Core with New Faces
The majority of players called up have been part of Coach Kim’s squads since he took over in June 2024, reflecting his strategy of building a cohesive team around experienced players while incorporating young talents.
Notable returns include goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu, defenders Do Duy Manh and Bui Tien Dung, midfielders Nguyen Hai Long and Phan Van Duc, and forward Pham Tuan Hai.
Coach Kim also introduced two new faces to the national team: midfielder Tran Bao Toan from LPBank HAGL and midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan from Dong A Thanh Hoa. Tran Bao Toan has been a key figure in youth national teams, while Doan Ngoc Tan, despite having no prior caps at any national level, has earned his spot through consistent performances in the V.League. The 29-year-old captain of Dong A Thanh Hoa has been instrumental in his team’s rise this season, showcasing relentless energy and midfield dominance.
Significant Omissions
Veteran defender Que Ngoc Hai and midfielder Do Hung Dung are notable absences. Que Ngoc Hai has struggled with fitness issues, while age-related performance concerns have limited Do Hung Dung’s impact. Both players, mainstays in past campaigns, will be missed as the team seeks to strike a balance between experience and youthful vigor.
Training Schedule
The team will assemble in Hanoi on November 21 before heading to South Korea for a training camp from November 23 to December 3. This extended preparation period, agreed upon early by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Coach Kim, bypasses the November FIFA Days to ensure smooth progress in domestic competitions while giving the national team ample time for comprehensive preparation.
Upon returning from South Korea, the squad will be bolstered by players from Nam Dinh, who will join after completing their AFC Champions League Two group stage matches.
Final Roster and Fixtures
The final 26-man squad will be announced before Vietnam’s opening group stage match against Laos on December 9. The team is expected to arrive at the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup in top form, targeting success in the region’s most prestigious football tournament.
Leave a Reply