Vietnamese Football Set for Transformation in 2024

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese football is on the brink of a significant transformation in the year 2024, with the national senior team undergoing rejuvenation and the U23 team gearing up to make a mark in Asia. The upcoming changes mark a pivotal moment in Vietnamese football, ushering in a new era after five successful years under the guidance of Coach Park Hang-seo.

Under Coach Park’s leadership, Vietnamese football achieved remarkable milestones, including winning the AFF Cup in 2018, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2019 Asian Cup, advancing to the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup, and securing the runner-up position in the Asia U23 Championship. These achievements were a testament to Park’s coaching prowess and the dedication of the players.

To build on this success, the Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) has signed a contract with French coach Philippe Troussier. The strategic shift aims to transition from a counter-attacking defense to a proactive, attacking style, with the goal of enhancing the quality of competition and bringing Vietnamese football closer to its World Cup dream. This involves instilling confidence in ball possession and improving match control.

Coach Troussier faces the challenge of reforming a team with experienced players, some past their peak and grappling with injuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has also limited the exposure of a young team to international competition. Despite these challenges, Troussier, having observed Vietnamese football for four years before taking on the head coach position, is committed to the transition.

In his first year coaching the senior team, Troussier secured four wins, eight draws, scored 11 goals, and suffered 21 losses. The U23 team, however, secured a bronze medal at the SEA Games and earned a ticket to the AFC U23 finals. Acknowledging that these achievements fell short of expectations, Troussier emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and adjusting strategies to fit the Asian football context.

The VFF’s contract with Coach Troussier outlines clear goals for 2024, including reaching the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, securing a medal at the AFF Cup 2024, and aiming for a ticket to the Paris Olympics through the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

The upcoming 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup will be a platform for Troussier’s young talents to showcase their abilities and earn a place in the senior team. The AFF Cup, scheduled for later this year, will be a crucial stage for Troussier and his team to assert their position in Southeast Asia amidst growing competition.

As Vietnamese football strives for a new cycle of success, consistency and balanced development across the entire football system, from the national championship to clubs and teams, are deemed crucial. In the face of intensifying competition in Asia, trust and steadfastness during this transition period are deemed as the only ways for Vietnamese football to achieve its ambitious goals.