The Golden Star Warriors will head into the match at Hanoi-based My Dinh National Stadium with the absolute highest determination to redeem themselves after a five-game losing streak. A positive result against the Western Asian team is of great significance as it will help to relieve the Vietnamese side of pressure and help them regain much-needed self-confidence.

“Tomorrow’s game promises to be tough as our opponents will be group leaders Saudi Arabia. Vietnam has been playing well along the journey, and I hope that the players will perform their best to get the first points in the final-round campaign of the World Cup Qualifiers,” Park told reporters during a press briefing on Monday.

“In every match, we all try our best to get good results. Vietnam has not achieved the desired results so far in the first leg, but we will continue to strive for points in the return leg. Pressure is inevitable when playing the continent’s football powerhouses. Therefore, during the recent training process, we worked hard to figure out how to boost the players’ confidence.”

“Obviously we conceded defeats in the last five games. However, from the second clash, Vietnam has made progress deploying attacks in a more coherent and clearer manner. I really hope the players will be more confident and comfortably while confronting stronger teams,” the Republic of Korean tactician said.

The press conference ahead of the Vietnam-Saudi Arabia clash

He concluded that it is impossible to immediately improve the players’ attack or defensive capabilities overnight. In the first leg, the Saudi players switched their positions flexibly and continuously while supporting each other very well, Park stated.

“Saudi Arabia often rise high on both wings and leave a huge blank behind them. When losing the ball, they immediately rush to that area to reclaim the ball. Vietnam can make use of this point to deploy attacks,” the coach reminded his players.

Speaking at the press briefing, Vietnam forward Nguyen Tien Linh admitted the clash against group leaders Saudi Arabia will be very tough for Vietnam, but affirmed that the Vietnamese squad will do their best to earn their first points.

For his part, Saudi coach Herve Renard said: “We have great respect for the Vietnamese team, who conceded just one goal against both Australia and Japan. They have many talented players. We need greater focus and motivation to work towards our goals.”

Source: Nhan Dan

Saudi Arabian football team arrive in Hanoi for World Cup qualifier

The national football team of Saudi Arabia arrived in Hanoi on November 12, with 25 players and over nine tonnes of luggage as they prepare for their upcoming game against Vietnam in World Cup qualifier round.