India vs Vietnam preview: Renewing an Old Rivalry in Modern Times
India, led by Manolo Márquez, looks to break their winless streak, while Vietnam, under Kim Sang-sik, hopes to reverse a poor run of form with 10 defeats in their last 11 games.
The stage is set in Nam Định as India and Vietnam face off in an eagerly awaited international friendly on October 12, 2024.
While these two nations share a rich footballing history, their recent encounters have been few and far between, making this match a significant event for both teams.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, both squads are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely competitive clash.
A Long-Standing Rivalry
India and Vietnam’s football rivalry dates back to the mid-20th century when the two teams met regularly in the Merdeka Cup and Asian Games.
Between the 1950s and 1970s, India and South Vietnam played several tight matches.
However, since Vietnam's unification, meetings have been rare. This will be only the fourth time the unified Vietnam faces India at the senior international level.
Their previous three encounters have all been friendly matches. The 2004 LG Cup saw Vietnam edge past India with a 2-1 win in Ho Chi Minh City. S
ix years later, Sunil Chhetri's brilliance with a hat-trick propelled India to a 3-1 win in Pune.
In 2022, Vietnam had the upper hand again, securing a 3-0 victory in Ho Chi Minh City during the Hưng Thịnh Friendly Tournament.
Now, two years later, both teams return to the field, each with new aspirations and challenges.
A Time of Transition for Both Teams
Both India and Vietnam find themselves in transitional phases, each with a new head coach.
Vietnam, ranked 116th in the world, 10 places ahead of India, appointed former South Korean international Kim Sang-sik in June 2024.
His tenure so far has yielded mixed results, with a win against the Philippines and losses to Russia and Thailand in the LPBank Cup.
Similarly, India is under the guidance of Spaniard Manolo Márquez, who took over earlier this year.
India narrowly missed progressing to the next round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, finishing just two points behind Kuwait. Márquez remains optimistic despite the team's winless run since November 2023.
He sees this friendly as an opportunity for growth and to turn the tide for his squad.
"We are playing away from home, and it will be difficult. But I think Vietnam is in a similar situation. We’ve improved physically since our league started, but we can still be better," Márquez said, reflecting on the preparation leading up to the game.
Familiar Faces and New Talents
Both sides will feature a blend of experienced players and rising stars. Vietnam boasts a squad that includes 13 players from their 2022 win over India, including goalscorers Nguyễn Văn Toàn and Nguyễn Văn Quyết.
Key figures like captain Quế Ngọc Hải, goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm, and striker Nguyễn Tiến Linh (with 21 international goals) also headline the team.
India’s squad for this fixture includes 10 players who were part of the team that faced Vietnam in 2022.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, and Lallianzuala Chhangte are some of the key names returning. Márquez has also introduced fresh faces, including left-back Aakash Sangwan and 21-year-old midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte, adding dynamism to the squad.
Forward Farukh Choudhary, returning after a three-year absence, is another notable inclusion.
"We believe these players are the best suited for this game," said Márquez. "Some of them played yesterday, and despite the short time, their attitude is positive."
A Fight for Form and Confidence
Neither team comes into this match in stellar form.
India has struggled for victories in 2024, while Vietnam has lost 10 of their last 11 matches.
Both teams are desperate for a morale-boosting win. The clash is set against the backdrop of two nations that are hungry for success, hoping this game will serve as a turning point.
"The team that wins will show they are better, at least on the day," Márquez noted, emphasizing the importance of the match for both sides.
Vietnam will be without key players like forward Phạm Tuấn Hải and defender Hồ Tấn Tài due to injury.
Despite these absences, their young talents, such as 20-year-old forward Nguyễn Đình Bắc, provide hope for the future.
On the other hand, India will be looking to capitalize on the absence of some of Vietnam’s regulars and make a statement away from home.
Tactical Preparations and Key Battles
Both teams are putting in the hard work ahead of the game.
Vietnam has been training since early October, playing a practice match against domestic champions Thep Xanh Nam Đinh FC as part of their preparations.
India, meanwhile, has focused on building fitness and tactical cohesion under Márquez, with evening sessions and gym work overseen by strength coach José Carlos Barroso.
For India, the battle in midfield will be crucial, with Jeakson Singh and Brandon Fernandes needing to control possession and supply the forward line.
On the wings, the pace and creativity of Lallianzuala Chhangte and Liston Colaco will be pivotal in breaking down Vietnam’s defense.
Defensively, Anwar Ali and Chinglensana Singh will be tasked with keeping Vietnam’s dangerous attackers at bay, particularly Nguyễn Tiến Linh.
Vietnam, with their balanced squad of senior pros and promising youngsters, will rely heavily on Nguyễn Quang Hải's creativity in midfield.
The 21-year-old had a brief stint in the French Ligue 2 and will be key in linking play for Vietnam.
The experience of Captain Quế Ngọc Hải will also be vital in organizing Vietnam’s defense.
When and where to watch
The Thiên Trường Stadium in Nam Định is expected to be packed with passionate football fans, adding to the intense atmosphere of this already exciting fixture.
Kickoff is set for 16:30 IST, and both teams will be eager to make their mark in this one-off friendly.
Fans in India can catch the live action on Fancode.
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