Many key players missing in Oman clash: Vietnam head coach

“It’s not looking good for the national team at the moment. Not just the injuries but also Covid-19 cases are hurting the team. We have 10 days to prepare but some members were busy with V. League. In general, the situation is quite tough. However, this is our final home game so we will try,” Park told a press conference Wednesday.

“Eight players who got Covid-19 are also the important ones. I hope the replacements will play well to create healthy competition in the team,” he continued.

Vietnam will play Oman at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi.

Since the team gathered for training on March 15, Park has made constant changes to the squad as injuries and Covid-19 cases kept increasing. In return, the team have many new faces for this match.

“It’s hard to tell if these new players will get to play or not, because we are determined to beat Oman. I will make the final decision after the last training session today,” Park said.

After losing seven and winning only one, against China with a score of 3-1, Vietnam are still last in group B. In the first leg with Oman last October, Vietnam scored first but conceded three goals, all from set pieces.

“In the first leg, we conceded a goal from a corner. We will stay alert in the second leg,” Park added.

“For every coach, any game is intense. Vietnam will play on home ground tomorrow and the fans really want a victory. Vietnam will put in the effort and concentration to put on the best display.

“Oman are more powerful and have a higher place in FIFA rankings than Vietnam, but they are not formidable.”

The match will be reported live on VnExpress International at 7 p.m. (Hanoi time), Thursday.