* PRE-MATCH COMMENTARY
Because the host team of the 2024 World Cup, Uzbekistan, is present in the semi-finals, the 4 teams that lost in the quarter-finals, namely Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq and Afghanistan, will compete in a knockout match to find one more representative. Asia participates in the world’s largest futsal playground starting in September 2024. The winners of the two matches between Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan and Iraq and Afghanistan will face each other to find the final spot in the World Cup.
The Vietnamese team needs more victories to hope to reach the World Cup
In theory, the Vietnamese team (ranked 44th in the world) is rated higher than Kyrgyzstan (ranked 49th in the world). However, Kyrgyzstan is a team that cannot be underestimated as they defeated defending champion Japan in the group stage with a score of 3-2. Head coach Diego Giustozzi commented: “This is a strong team, with collective playing style, experience and very bravery. Kyrgyzstan won against Japan in the group stage. In this tournament, all teams have a determined spirit. Big win. Kyrgyzstan team’s physical strength is very durable, good attack and good defense.”
The Kyrgyzstan team (red shirt) is considered a difficult opponent
However, with what was shown in the quarter-finals and the close loss in the last minutes to Uzbekistan, the Vietnamese team can be completely confident in a victory in the first play-off match. Goalkeeper Ho Van Y is still a solid shield and gives peace of mind to his teammates in the Vietnamese team’s goal. Names like Thinh Phat, Duc Hoa, Doan Phat, Gia Hung or Thai Huy… still show great determination when wearing the national shirt.
