Australia want quick win against Vietnam: assistant coach

“We respect the opponent regardless their situation. We have to train and stay focused during the game. We have to find the weakness of the opponent to make them vulnerable,” Meulensteen said in the pre-match conference Wednesday.

Meulensteen will coach Australia in the game with Vietnam after head coach Graham Arnold contracted Covid-19.

Vietnam are the least experienced team in the final round of World Cup qualifiers. After six consecutive losses, they are at the bottom of group B with zero points.

“Vietnam didn’t have the best results but they always put in the effort. They usually use the 4-5-1 or 3-5-2 formation, both are disciplined and solid. We must keep our composure to find a way to drill through the defense of Vietnam. Most likely we will have to keep the ball rolling on the opponent’s side more. It would be good if Australia own the game and put an end to it early,” Meulensteen said.

Meulensteen used to coach the Manchester United youth team and became the assistant coach of the main team before coaching Fulham.

Five Australia players have just returned to the country and only have one day to train before the game, while key left-back Aziz Behich couldn’t fly to Melbourne from Turkey due to a snowstorm.

“The important thing is that players understand the assignment and bring their best mentality to the field. We have nothing to be afraid of. Focus on the game and good results will come,” Meulensteen said.

The game will take place at 4:10 p.m. on Thursday (Hanoi time) and will be reported live on VnExpress International.