Vietnam can advance to 2026 World Cup third qualifiers
Striker Nguyen Van Toan (L) celebrates with teammate Do Duy Manh after Vietnam's 3-2 victory over the Philippines in the World Cup second qualifiers in My Dinh Stadium, Hanoi, June 6, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh |
Their chances were boosted by victory against the Philippines even though they are no longer in control of their own fate after the win.
On Thursday night Vietnam came from behind to beat Philippines in a thrilling 3-2 victory in round 5 of Group F's World Cup second qualifiers.
Vietnam have no victories in the six games played earlier against Iraq. They drew one and lost five. In the latest four head-to-head matches, the Gulf country managed to win with small goal differences either 1-0 or 3-2. In his statement, Coach Jesus Casas says that Iraq will not relax during the last game — so it would be difficult for Kim's team: both teams play hard.
Vietnam has never won any of their six past encounters with Iraq: they drew one and lost five. In the last four meetings, Iraq won marginally either by 1-0 or 3-2. Jesus Casas, coach of Vietnam, has also noted that Iraq will not take it easy in the final game— making it difficult for Kim's team.
Vietnam is not playing in home venues for the final two matches. They are playing away at Basra Stadium against Iraq while Indonesia will play at home at Bung Karno Stadium against the Philippines.
Iraq have won all five matches and they already qualified to the third qualifiers; thus securing their place, while the Philippines have been eliminated with just one point earned.
Vietnam has failed to win any of the six previous matches with Iraq; they drew one and lost five. In the last four meetings between these teams, Iraq won narrowly either 1-0 or 3-2. Coach Jesus Casas added that they would not take it easy during the final game, creating a big challenge for Kim's team.
Vietnam needs to expect that the Philippines will come through with an unexpected outcome in Jakarta. In their previous five encounters, the Philippines won one, drew three, and lost one against Indonesia.
The Bung Karno match is Indonesia's. It will start at 7:30 p.m. local time, a few hours earlier than Iraq versus Vietnam. If Indonesia triumphs over Philippines then Basra game will be simply ceremonial for Vietnam; but if Kim's team does not win there then it will depend on the outcome of their match once again whether they can proceed or not.
The sides that reach the 2026 World Cup third qualifiers will be automatically qualified for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia while those left behind will participate in the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Vietnam were the only Southeast Asia representatives to advance to the third qualifiers in the last cycle of World Cup qualification. This time, either Vietnam or Indonesia will have an opportunity to achieve a similar feat.
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