Vietnamese futsal team's high determination

The coaching staff and players of the Vietnamese futsal team are ready for their journey at the 33rd SEA Games. (Photo: VFF)

There is no room for error in any match.

Coach Diego Giustozzi has announced the official 14-player roster for the Vietnamese futsal team, in accordance with the regulations of the men's futsal event at the 33rd SEA Games.

Accordingly, six players who were not included in the match registration list will remain to continue training at their respective clubs and cheer on their teammates via video screen: goalkeeper Luu Thanh Bao, ala Nguyen Tien Hung, Nguyen Hoang Quan, Tran Thai Huy, Chau Doan Phat, and pivo Nguyen Van Tuan.

Among these, the absence of two experienced alabaster athletes, Tran Thai Huy and Chau Doan Phat, has attracted much attention, as both have yet to reach their best form due to injuries sustained during the recent preparation period.

List of 14 players in the Vietnamese futsal team participating in the 33rd SEA Games. (Source: VFF)

The men's futsal competition at the 33rd SEA Games features five teams: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar, competing in a round-robin format to determine the final rankings.

According to the schedule, the Vietnamese futsal team will face a major challenge playing four consecutive matches in four days. Specifically, they will play Malaysia on December 16th, followed by matches against Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar on December 17th, 18th, and 19th, respectively.

Assessing the packed schedule and competitive nature of the tournament, coach Diego Giustozzi emphasized: “With the round-robin format, every upcoming match is a final; there is no room for error. The opening match against Malaysia is the most important, because they are improving very quickly and are getting closer to us. The team must focus completely on each match.”

100% enthusiasm, 100% heart

Head coach Diego Giustozzi expressed satisfaction with the team's preparation over the past period. The Argentinian coach emphasized the effective support from the Vietnam Football Federation and praised the quality of organization during the five-week training camp in Ho Chi Minh City.

“I am very happy and grateful for the support of the Vietnam Football Federation throughout this period. We had two weeks of intensive training focusing on physical fitness and three weeks to refine and review tactical strategies. I am very confident that this team can have a successful tournament in Thailand,” coach Diego Giustozzi shared.

Facing immense competitive pressure at the SEA Games, and aiming to improve their performance in futsal, Vietnamese coach Diego Giustozzi acknowledges that pressure is unavoidable when representing the national team. However, he affirms that the entire team is in good spirits and ready to face the challenge.

“As Vice President Tran Anh Tu once said, we are serving the Fatherland, so pressure is inevitable. I understand that the SEA Games have great significance for the Vietnamese people. But at this time, I believe our team has improved a lot, and this is the time to show the fans that the team is ready to win, ready to confront any opponent in the region head-on and not afraid of any opponent,” he emphasized.

Sending a message to Vietnamese fans ahead of the 33rd SEA Games, Diego Giustozzi affirmed that the dedication of his players will remain unchanged. “I can’t predict the results because sports always have unexpected elements. But I can guarantee that my players will compete with 100% passion, 100% heart. Vietnamese fans can be absolutely proud of the Vietnamese futsal team at this SEA Games,” the Argentinian strategist shared.

In Thailand, coach Diego Giustozzi and his team are staying in the same hotel as the Vietnamese women's futsal team in Nonthaburi. The Vietnam Football Federation has planned the logistics, especially the team's meals, based on the experience of other teams participating in the SEA Games 33 in Thailand, to ensure the best possible conditions for the entire team.

With a well-balanced squad, high determination, and thorough preparation over the past period, the Vietnamese futsal team enters the SEA Games 33 with the goal of striving to finish in the top two, thereby further affirming the position of Vietnamese futsal in the regional arena.