Nizhny Novgorod, 8 Nov 2026 – Vietnam national futsal team head coach Diego Giustozzi has outlined a long-term development strategy ahead of two international friendlies against Russia, confirming that younger players will receive more opportunities as the team builds towards qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028.
Vietnam are scheduled to face Russia in their first friendly at Meshcherskyi Sports Hall in Nizhny Novgorod on November 8, with kick-off set for 8:00 p.m. Vietnam time. The match will provide an important opportunity for Giustozzi to assess his squad against one of the world’s leading futsal nations. Rather than focusing exclusively on securing a positive result, the Argentine coach intends to use the encounter to develop the next generation of Vietnamese players and strengthen the team’s long-term competitiveness.
According to information published by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), Giustozzi held an open discussion with his players during a training session ahead of the match, explaining his approach to squad selection and playing time. The coach made it clear that the technical staff would not simply rely on experienced players to maximise the chances of winning. Instead, younger members of the squad would be given opportunities to compete at international level, even if that approach affected the team’s immediate results.
Giustozzi believes that facing strong opponents such as Russia is essential for the development of young players, allowing them to experience the speed, intensity and tactical demands of elite international futsal. These matches will also help the coaching staff evaluate how players respond under pressure and identify areas requiring improvement. By exposing emerging talents to challenging competitive environments, Vietnam hope to develop a more experienced and adaptable squad capable of competing at major international tournaments.
The public disclosure of Giustozzi’s squad management philosophy is relatively unusual in Vietnamese football, where national team coaches rarely provide detailed explanations of their selection strategies to players in statements subsequently shared by the federation. His decision to prioritise long-term development over short-term results also reflects a clear commitment to building a sustainable foundation for the national team rather than relying exclusively on established players.
Before travelling to Russia, Giustozzi had already identified qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028 as Vietnam’s primary objective. With the squad’s average age currently around 23, the Argentine tactician sees considerable potential for further development. His coaching staff are working to improve the players’ technical ability, tactical understanding and international experience, ensuring they are better prepared for the demands of future qualifying competitions.
Russia, currently ranked seventh in the FIFA men’s futsal world rankings, represent a particularly demanding test for Vietnam’s relatively young squad. Their technical quality, physical intensity and international experience are expected to challenge Giustozzi’s players throughout both encounters. However, the coach believes that such opposition provides precisely the kind of experience his team needs to accelerate its development.
Following the opening friendly on November 8, Vietnam will face Russia again on November 10 at 11:00 p.m. Vietnam time. The two matches will give Giustozzi additional opportunities to rotate his squad, assess individual performances and determine which players are ready to take on greater responsibilities in future international competitions.
For Vietnam, the trip to Russia represents more than an opportunity to test themselves against a top-ranked opponent. It is an important step in a broader rebuilding process designed to develop young talent, increase squad depth and establish a competitive team for the years ahead. By placing player development ahead of immediate results, Giustozzi is making his priorities clear: Vietnam’s ultimate target is a place at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028.
VSN/RPT
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