Playing at home field is the only advantage of Vietnam in the match with Japan in the final Asian Qualifiers of FIFA World Cup 2022.
Playing at home field is the only advantage of Vietnam in the match with Japan in the final Asian Qualifiers of FIFA World Cup 2022.
The match between Vietnam and Japan is played at My Dinh Stadium (Hanoi) at 7pm on November 11. After four matches, Japan are on fourth in Group B with six points (two wins, two losses). Japan are likely to set a target of grabbing three points against Vietnam so that they can play comfortably in the match with Oman.
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Japan are superior to Vietnam in term of skills and level. Japan have displayed a diverse and unpredictable style of play. They can play fiercely or flexibly and take advantage of the skillful technique of players who are playing in Europe, namely winger and striker Takumi Minamino (Liverpool), striker Yuya Osako (Werder Bremen), defender Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal), midfielder Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frakfurt), etc.
The disadvantage of the Japan in the match with Vietnam is that they play at the home field of their opponents and don’t have much time to practice together and get used to the field. Some of their players, who are playing in Europe, arrived in Vietnam on November 9 night; therefore, they only have one day to practice and get used with My Dinh Stadium before the match.
As for Vietnam, despite being able to play at home field, the match against Japan will be a big challenge for Coach Park Hang-Seo and his players because the gap of level between the two sides is big. About 2-3 years ago, Vietnam under Coach Park Hang-Seo together with golden generation of Vietnam’s football (Quang Hai, Cong Phuong, Xuan Truong, Hung Dung, Que Ngoc Hai, Dinh Trong, Van Lam, etc.) played excellently with wins surprising their Asian opponents. However, currently, Vietnam haven’t created any surprises.
It is noticeable that Vietnam have progressed compared to themselves before. However, this progress has no longer surprised their opponents. In the final Asian Qualifiers of FIFA World Cup 2022, Coach Park Hang-Seo has often added some U-23 players to the national team and provided these young players opportunity to show their ability. However, the performances of the young players haven’t been enough to help Vietnam win against their opponents. Hone field advantage is the only hope for Vietnam to earn points in the match with Japan.
An Nhien
Translated by H.N
