South Korea Under-22 coach Jeong Jung-yong considers Vietnam a tough opponent after watching the latter’s matches at FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
South Korea is drawn into group I along with the host, Vietnam, Timor-Leste and Macau. The group winner will advance to the final tournament, while the runner-up will be on the bubble as it will have to rely on other groups’ results to determine their fate.
Although the team is heavily favored for the match-up that possibly determines the group winner, Jeong said the team needs to be prepared for a tough opponent.
“We have watched all of Vietnam’s three matches at FIFA Under-20 World Cup,” Jeong said, as quoted by VTV. “They are progressing and playing in a high level. They have potential to be the dark horse of the upcoming tournament.”
Jeong said the squad is built for future tournaments, hence South Korea will field a younger team heading to the qualification round. Eleven out of 23 players registered played in the World Cup the past May.
“Half of the squad played in the World Cup,” Jeong said. “The squad is intended to be a part of the senior team in the upcoming years. This team is not only heading for the AFC tournament, but also the Asian Games and the Olympic as well.”