Vietnamese players in action during a training session in Jeju, Republic of Korea. (Photo: VFF)

Group A initially comprised DPR Korea, the RoK, Myanmar and Vietnam. However, DPR Korea have pulled out at the last minute, which gives Vietnam certain advantages in competing for a next-round place.

Given the RoK’s win and DPR Korea’s withdrawal, Vietnam will only have to finish off Myanmar in their meeting tomorrow to make it through to the play-off tournament.

In preparation for such an important match, Mai Duc Chung’s side had tactical training sessions shortly after their arrival in Jeju. The break from the scheduled opener against DPR Korea gave Vietnamese players more time to become familiarised with the weather on Jeju Island and have further practice after returning from the Lunar New Year holiday.

Facing Myanmar, who have made much progress over recent times, coach Mai Duc Chung stated that, as usual, Vietnam will play offensively with the strongest determination for a victory.

“If we manage to beat Myanmar, the following clash against the RoK would only be formalistic, as at that time, Vietnam will have already qualified for the next round,” he said.

As scheduled, Vietnam will play Myanmar at 5pm (Vietnamese time) at Jeju World Cup Stadium on February 6, before taking on the RoK at 3pm three days later.

Today (Feb 5), the Vietnamese team will have a training session at the hosting stadium, Jeju World Cup, at 7pm (local time). Nhan Dan