Hanoi allows spectators for Vietnam-China clash

This is the largest number of spectators allowed in a home game of Vietnam since the team advanced to the final round of World Cup qualifiers. In the most recent two home games against Japan and Saudi Arabia in November last year, My Dinh Stadium was only allowed to use 30 percent of its capacity, which equals 12,000 fans.

Hanoi also requested related parties to strictly implement Covid-19 prevention measures. The representative of the city leaders emphasized that health and safety remain the top priority.

After six defeats, Vietnam are at the bottom of Group B. Before the China clash, Vietnam will play the first match in 2022 against Australia on Jan. 27.

On Thursday, the national team returned to training.

According to Vietnam Football Federation, midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc who contracted coronavirus has had a negative PCR test result, so he can return in time for the match with Australia. However, strikers Nguyen Van Toan and Nguyen Tien Linh are still undergoing Covid-19 treatment and are most likely unable to join the team in time.