Qualifiers Vietnam's squad take on their first training session in Thailand

ABO/NDO – The national squad had their first training session on the afternoon of September 1, after arriving in Thailand earlier the same day to prepare for the upcoming Group G opener under the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers second round against the hosts on September 5.

Coach Park Hang-seo (far right) and his players during their first session in Thailand on September 1, while preparing for the upcoming Group G opener of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers second round against hosts Thailand. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

The Vietnam team under coach Park Hang-seo are stationed at Novotel Bangkok Impact Hotel in Nonthaburi. On Sunday afternoon, the team entered their first training session at local club Muangthong United’s home ground near the hotel.

The weather conditions in Thailand at this time are quite pleasant. However, because it is the rainy season, Park’s side will also have backup plans and adjustments to ensure the best possible professional training for the players.

Park brings 24 players to Thailand, including Doan Van Hau and Nguyen Cong Phuong - who will gather with their teammates later. Fullback Van Hau is allowed to temporarily leave the squad to go to the Netherlands to sign a contract with SC Heerenveen and will be in Thailand on September 3. Meanwhile, Sint Truidense’s striker Cong Phuong is expected to land at Bangkok from Belgium on Monday morning.

In the press interview before the training session, rookie Nguyen Huu Tuan expressed his high determination in training to be on the official list of 23 men for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers campaign. The Ho Chi Minh City FC’s defender is expected to have an opportunity to play for the squad in his first encounter with Thai rivals on Thursday.

“In the V.League, I only know to play well with my position. However, in the national team, I have to compete for an official position in the starting XI because all our player are very good,” Tuan said, adding that professional issues have been decided by the coach. “I came up here to practice and play hard. I have never played against Thailand but I want to play the upcoming match and win against them."

At the training session yesterday afternoon, the players only endured light intensity, mainly to regain their focus.

On the occasion of the National Day of September 2, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has made a phone call to congratulate and encourage the entire Vietnam national team in Thailand.

The cabinet leader expressed his wish that the team would have the highest concentration and determination to gain a good result in the first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers second round.

In response, head coach Park Hang-seo and his players promised to continue their efforts in each training camp in Thailand to get the best preparation for the match against the hosts on September 5.

(Source: NDO)