Vietnam
Football

Hung Thinh Friendly Tournament: India vs Vietnam

When India takes on Vietnam in the Hung Thinh Friendly Football Tournament in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, the Indian men’s sports team will have its work cut out for it. Last Saturday, India was held to a 1-1 tie by lower-ranked Singapore. The Indians will have to be incredibly focused against an assertive Vietnam, who conked Singapore 4-0 in their first match.

Igor Stimac has named a squad of 23 players for the two international friendlies against Singapore and Vietnam. Rahul KP, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Harmanjot Khabra have been named to the squad, while Pritam Kotal, Manvir Singh, and Subhashish Bose have been left out. Sunil Chhetri will lead the team as captain.

Before traveling to Southeast Asia for two international friendlies, Igor Stimac’s men were on a three-match undefeated streak. They defeated Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong in the third round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifying in June to secure a place in the continental championship’s finals. Vietnam, on the other hand, delivered an incredible display against Singapore in front of their home fans, winning 4-0. They’re pumped after that decisive victory and can’t wait to take on India.

INdAccording to official records, India and Vietnam have tussled 13 times in the past. The Indians have won eight of their nine meetings, while Vietnam has won three. The most captivating match between these two teams was the 2002 LG Cup final, which India won 3-1 after coming from behind. India and Vietnam last met in an international friendly in Pune in 2010, with the Indians winning 3-1. Sunil Chhetri scored three goals that night.

vietnamThe round robin winners will receive USD 30,000 in winnings, while the runners-up will receive USD 20,000. The third place prize is also worth $10,000 USD. Hosts Vietnam is the highest-ranked team in the tournament, ranking 97th, seven places ahead of India, which is ranked 104th. India is making its first trip to Vietnam in nearly two decades.

After the draw with Singapore, Stimac may decide to rearrange his unit. Sandesh Jhingan could replace Narender Gahlot at the start. Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rahul KP, on the other hand, could be called up from the start.

Vietnam is playing at home, which gives the team a competitive advantage. As a consequence, they’d want to finish strong, especially in front of their hometown fans. Igor Stimac’s men, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing draw against Singapore in their inaugural match.

Igor Stimac, India’s head coach, conceded that Vietnam would start as favorites, but he was optimistic about his teams performance in the tournament.

“Obviously, Vietnam has gained a lot of momentum with their recent performances. They have a good team and are playing at home, so they are likely favourites, but we have a good chance as well because we have a young squad,” Igor Stimac told reporters. “I believe we have enough quality to compete with them, and if we stay positive and play with a positive attitude, we can do it. It’s a good challenge for us, but we must ensure that we combine and rotate our players properly. We have to make sure that no one gets hurt,” Stimac added.

India Predicted XI: Ashique Kuruniyan, Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa

Vietnam Predicted XI: Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Chau Ngoc Quang, Dang Van Lam, Bui Tien Dung, Nguyen Van Quyet, Nguyen Quang Hai, Ho Tan Tai, Nham Mang Dung, Tran Dinh Trong, Pham Tuan Hai, Phan Tuan Tai

The battle between India and Singapore will proceed on September 27 at the Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The game begins at 5:30 p.m. IST.

Kajal S

Kajal S

kajal

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