Vietnam U23 team will meet Iraq in the latest match of the 2024 U23 Asian Finals quarter-finals, taking place at 0:30 on April 27. At the pre-match press conference held at noon on April 25, the coaches of both teams were reserved and cautious when commenting on each other.
Having the advantage of not losing much effort in the final match of the group stage against Uzbekistan is a huge advantage for Vietnamese players when meeting opponents who are physically stronger in this knock-out round. “We are aiming for the quarterfinal match with U23 Iraq with determination and solidarity,” said coach Hoang Anh Tuan.
Coach Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized: “As I said after the match against U23 Uzbekistan, the stronger team won and we also expected that. Most importantly, we are now focusing our maximum attention on tomorrow’s match with U23 Iraq. We are always ready and always respect our opponents. Before the tournament, we told the players that all the teams in the group are strong.
At the 2018 Asian U23 Finals, U23 Vietnam reached the final against Uzbekistan and this does not mean it will be the same this year. The past is the past, the present is the present. In the past, Vietnam met Iraq at many levels and had many failures, but that does not mean that history will continue. In football, the difference in strength does not necessarily determine the team’s victory. To win there are many factors. Hopefully tomorrow’s match will change history.”
Before this competition, U23 Vietnam was ready to enter the match with the best state from expertise to competition mentality. “Whether we meet Saudi Arabia or Iraq in the quarterfinals, it’s the same, just focus on preparing. In football, you can’t say anything until you play. We have prepared ourselves professionally and mentally. Competition regulations need to take into account extra time and penalty shootouts. Those things have had clear preparations and are ready, no matter what situation the match goes to.”
The quarter-final match between Vietnam U23 team and Iraq U23 team will take place at Al Janoub Stadium at 8:30 p.m. on April 26 local time (0:30 a.m. April 27 Vietnam time).
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