QatarFrom 4:00 p.m., coach Hoang Anh Tuan will answer the media about Vietnam’s preparations for the Iraq match in the U23 Asia 2024 quarterfinals tomorrow.
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Coach Hoang Anh Tuan of U23 Vietnam. Image: AFC
Coach Hoang Anh Tuan said Vietnam is ready and highly focused for the match against Iraq. He said Vietnam and Iraq have a good relationship but it’s a pity they have to meet so soon. “If we reach the semi-finals together, it will be more complete,” coach Hoang Anh Tuan said. “But now two teams have to compete for a single spot.”
Vietnam finished the group stage with second place in Group D, while Iraq ranked first in Group C, including a surprise 2-1 victory over defending champion Saudi Arabia in the final round. The two teams reappeared in the 2018 Asian U23 quarter-finals, where Vietnam won 5-3 in the penalty shootout, after drawing 3-3 in 120 minutes.
After the 0-3 loss to Uzbekistan on April 23, coach Hoang Anh Tuan said he and his students would show a different face against Iraq. He assessed the West Asian representative as a strong opponent despite losing 0-2 to Thailand in the opening match.
Vietnam faces Iraq at 8:30 p.m. local time on April 26, or 0:30 a.m. Hanoi time on April 27 at Al Janoub Stadium. Korean referee Ko Hyung-jin will officiate.
The winning team will advance to the semi-finals to meet the winner of the Qatar – Japan match, taking place on April 29.
Hieu Luong
Tags: Coach Hoang Anh Tuan holds press conference U23 Asia quarterfinals
