Indonesia, 30 January 2026 – Ahead of the final group-stage match against the Thailand futsal team, head coach Diego Giustozzi expressed strong respect for the opponent while showing great confidence in his players, as the Vietnam futsal team have already secured qualification for the knockout stage of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026.
The showdown with Thailand will determine the top position in Group B. Assessing the opponent, coach Diego Giustozzi stated that Thailand have always been among the leading futsal teams in Asia.
Giustozzi said: “This will certainly be a very difficult match. Thailand have changed their head coach and now have a new coaching staff. Their playing style focuses on high intensity and direct attacking football, quite similar to many clubs in the Thai domestic league. Previously, under coach Rodrigo Miguel, they controlled possession more and played horizontally. Thailand are a major team in Asia, and that has been proven through history and our previous encounters.”
Despite acknowledging the challenge, the Argentine coach placed full trust in his players. He emphasized that securing qualification early has significantly reduced psychological pressure on the squad. “We have already achieved our goal of advancing from the group stage. This is a very young team, with many players taking part in their first AFC continental tournament. We will approach the match with a more relaxed mindset, enjoy the game, and aim for victory to finish top of the group. Thailand will prepare very carefully, and so will we,” Giustozzi affirmed.
Looking further ahead, Giustozzi revealed that his long-term target is to guide Vietnam futsal into the semifinals. “The level of Asian teams is quite balanced at the moment. We are a new team, with a long-term objective of qualifying for the next World Cup. I believe the team has good balance, especially in midfield, and can maintain focus throughout the full 40 minutes. That allows us to compete on equal terms with any opponent,” he said.
According to the knockout bracket, Vietnam futsal will face either Indonesia or Iraq in the quarterfinals. When asked about his preferred opponent, Giustozzi admitted he would rather meet Iraq. “Indonesia and Iraq are very different teams. Iraq are strong in physicality, strength, and technique. Indonesia play in a similar way to us, relying heavily on speed and intensity. They are currently one of the strongest teams in Asia and will play in front of around 15,000 home fans. Therefore, if given a choice, I would prefer to face Iraq—not because we underestimate anyone, but because the playing conditions would be more favorable.”
Anh Minh
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