In the letter, PM Phuc called on the whole squad to be determined and stay united to win Yemen in the upcoming match on January 16.

He praised all coaches and players of the national men's football team for their efforts and determination in the last two matches at the ongoing Asian Cup 2019 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The team showed the strong will, bravery, and noble spirit of Vietnamese people, he said. 

He hoped that under the leadership of head coach Park Hang-seo, the team will prepare themselves thoroughly, unite together, and play tenaciously to gain a victory in the match, thus achieving the targets set before the tournament.

Millions of fans across the country are looking forward to the match, with great support for their team, he said.

After the earlier matches in Group D, both squads ended up with no point, with Vietnam getting -3 and Yemen - 8 in goal difference. To have a chance to advance to the next round, they need to win and score as many goals as possible.

So far, 12 teams have made their entry to the knockout round, which are the UAE, Jordan, China, the Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Japan, Uzbekistan, Bahrain and Thailand.

Vietnam football team improves most in Asia: Yemen media

Vietnamese players practice for the Asian Cup 2019 at the multi-purpose Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium stadium in UAE 

Yemen media have said their team is less likely to beat Vietnam in their critical match on January 16, the result of which will decide who might have the opportunity to enter the ongoing Asian Cup 2019’s knockout stage.  

Rai Al Yemen website said Yemen must defeat Vietnam as it is the only chance for them to pass the group stage as one of the top four third-place teams, describing this as a “mission impossible”.

Vietnam are strong, it said, adding that the team caused many troubles for both Iran and Iraq in previous matches.

The 26 September newspaper echoed the view, pointing to the fact that Yemeni players have not been well prepared for the Asian Cup 2019. It said the chance for the team to win is very small, if not to say it exists only in theory. 

Vietnam is among the most progressive in Asia lately, the paper stated, expressing hope that Yemeni footballers will do their best.

Yemen goalie Saoud Al Sowadi said his team is not well prepared for the tournament. However, the national championship was good, so the overall performance of the national team was fine.

Yemen consider its presence at the Asian Cup 2019 a success and do not aim for high places, the player said, adding he expected his team to do well in the upcoming match against Vietnam.

After their earlier matches in Group D, both squads ended up with no point, with Vietnam getting -3 and Yemen -8 in goal difference. To have a chance to advance to the next round, they need to win and score as many goals as possible. 

So far, 12 teams have made their entry to the knockout stage, which are the host United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, China, the Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Japan, Uzbekistan, Bahrain and Thailand.

VNA