Vietnam’s starlets missing chunks of preparation time.
Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Quang Hai, and Doan Van Hau. Three of Vietnam’s biggest football stars all missed chunks of Park Hang-seo’s training camp leading up to their away clash with bitter rivals Thailand.
Hanoi FC talisman, Quang Hai, joined training three days later than the majority of his teammates while his (former) club-mates Van Hau was also in the Netherlands to finalize his moved to Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen. The left-back flew straight to Bangkok and only took part in one training session at the Thammasat Stadium.
Meanwhile, “Vietnamese Messi” Cong Phuong did not take part in any training sessions back in Vietnam. The attacker has only featured in one official game for Belgian side Sint-Truidense V.V. but did get on the scoresheet for the reserve team before meeting up with his national side. There is also minor criticism from the Golden Dragon’s fans on coach Park for not selecting Hanoi FC’s striker and captain Nguyen Van Quyet.
Changsuek’s new captain
Buriram United’s Siwarak Tedsungnoen has been awarded the Thai captain’s armband for the first time in his career. Head coach Akira Nishino stated the goalkeeper’s leadership and influence on the squad as the main reason for the decision. Yokohama F. Marinos’s left-back Theerathon Bunmathan is the only player in this squad who had ever taken this responsibility prior.