The Indian football team looks to secure its first win of 2024 as they face Vietnam in an international friendly in Nam Định, a quiet town in northern Vietnam with a population of just over 236,000.
India was originally set to participate in a Tri-Nation tournament featuring Vietnam and Lebanon. However, due to the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, the tournament was reduced to a friendly match between India and Vietnam. A win would not only boost India’s morale but also have a significant impact on their FIFA ranking points, which could influence their pot allocation for the December draw of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, set to begin in March next year.
For Vietnam, this match serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming AFF Championship, a biennial competition to crown the sub-continental champion of Southeast Asia.
Manolo Márquez, who is juggling responsibilities with both the national team and FC Goa, has had a challenging start to his tenure as India’s coach. After drawing with Mauritius and losing to Syria in last month’s Intercontinental Cup, the Spaniard will be eager to register his first win with the Blue Tigers. For this match, Márquez has made a few adjustments to the 23-member squad compared to the one that featured in the Intercontinental Cup.
Mohun Bagan SG goalkeeper Vishal Kaith has returned to the squad, while FC Goa left-back Akash Sangwan and Chennaiyin FC midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte have been handed their first call-ups. Hnamte’s Chennaiyin FC teammate Farukh Choudhary also returns after a long hiatus, having last played for India in 2021 against Nepal.
Márquez’s squad selection, however, has drawn criticism from fans for retaining a largely unchanged group of players, rather than offering opportunities to newly emerging stars from the ongoing ISL. The coach defended his decision, citing limited training sessions and the need for continuity, as the current batch is more accustomed to the national team’s system.
India last faced Vietnam in 2022, suffering a 3-0 defeat. Of the current squad, 10 players were part of that match, with four starting the game.
For Vietnam, 2024 has been forgettable, with only one win in 10 matches. The team, currently in a rebuilding phase, appointed South Korean international Kim Sang-sik as head coach in June. Kim’s 27-member squad, which has an average age below 26, consists entirely of players from the Vietnamese domestic league.
Vietnam has been training since October 5 and played a practice match against reigning V.League champions Thép Xanh Nam Định FC on October 9 before traveling to Nam Định for the friendly.
India’s 🇮🇳 friendly match against Vietnam will be LIVE 🔴 on @FanCode
Don’t miss the action as our team battles it out on the field! 💪#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/1CIdPOU4Sw
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 10, 2024
Players to Watch:
Tien Linh Nguyen (Centre Forward):
With 18 goals in 43 appearances for Vietnam, Tien is a lethal striker known for his heading ability and long-range efforts. His goal-scoring prowess will pose a significant challenge for India’s defence. In the ongoing domestic league, he has already netted 4 goals in 4 games for Becamex Binh Duong FC.
Quang Hai Nguyen (Attacking Midfielder):
Quang, who has experience playing in France’s second division with Pau FC, has 10 goals in 42 appearances for Vietnam. His slick turns, ability to aid attacks, find pockets of space, and take long-range attempts make him a threat. He also excels in set pieces and dribbling. He has 2 assists in 3 domestic league matches this season.
Farukh Choudhary (Forward):
Known for his pace and gritty play down the flanks, Farukh has impressed with 2 goals in 3 games for Chennaiyin FC this ISL season. After a long absence from the national team, he’ll be looking to replicate his club form in national colours if given the chance.
Rahul Bheke (Defender):
Manolo Márquez has entrusted the captain’s armband to Rahul, a versatile defender. Bheke has been outstanding for Bengaluru FC, registering 4 clean sheets in as many games and even scoring a goal. Leading India’s defence, he’ll play a crucial role in neutralising Vietnam’s attack.
Head-to-Head:
India and Vietnam have faced off three times in the past, all in friendly matches. In 2004, Vietnam won 2-1 in the LG Cup in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2010, Sunil Chhetri’s hat-trick powered India to a 3-1 victory in Pune. Their most recent encounter was in 2022 when Vietnam triumphed 3-0 in the Hưng Thịnh Friendly Tournament.