The Vietnamese team was full of laughter in the scorching heat of over 40 degrees in Iraq

[ad_1]

The Vietnamese team was full of laughter in the scorching heat of more than 40 degrees in Iraq – Star

Despite the hot weather and the long journey, the Vietnamese team still had a pleasant training session in Basra to prepare for the match against host Iraq.

After a 13-hour flight, the Vietnamese delegation arrived at Basra Airport in Iraq at 10:30 local time (2:30 pm Hanoi time). After settling in, Mr. Kim Sang-sik led the team to the stadium for the first practice that evening in preparation for the match against the home team Iraq.

Although the players had just experienced a long flight and had not yet adapted to the time difference and hot weather in Iraq, the Vietnamese team’s training was still carried out in a pleasant atmosphere. The summer in Iraq is very harsh, with the highest temperature during the day reaching 47-48 degrees Celsius. Even if the team went out for training at 8:00 in the evening, the temperature remained above 40 degrees Celsius, which was very hot and stuffy, making people feel very uncomfortable. Discomfort.

Quang Hai (right) and his teammates are in high spirits after defeating the Philippines 3-2 on June 6. The victory helped Vietnam break coach Troussier’s previous seven-game losing streak and brought hope of continuing to advance to the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Midfielder Tuan Anh (right) smiles with teammate Ho Tan Tai. In the match against the Philippines, Tuan Anh came on as a substitute at the end of the second half. His long shot made it difficult for the Philippine goalkeeper to push the ball, creating conditions for Tuan Hai to shoot and seal the victory for Vietnam. On the other hand, Ho Tan Tai was not used by coach Kim Sang-sik.

Goalkeeper Pham Lam (left) has a close relationship with his colleague Philip Nguyen. In recent days, the two Vietnamese overseas goalkeepers have met and talked many times and deepened their mutual understanding.

“I know you are tired because you just played a game and walked a long distance. But we came here hoping to beat Iraq. Our goal is clear, so I hope everyone will think positively and unite as one. We know the Iraqi team just played in Indonesia, so they are also tired. The team that prepares better and has the highest desire will win. I think we can create a miracle.” Coach Kim Sang-sik encouraged the trainees on the training ground.

Thien Linh is one of Vietnam’s hopes of scoring in their upcoming match against Iraq. The Binh Duong FC striker was the best player in the match against the Philippines, scoring twice to help Vietnam win.

Vietnam currently remains third in Group F, one point behind second-placed Indonesia. To advance, coach Kim Sang-sik’s team must beat Iraq and hope that Indonesia does not beat the Philippines.

In the upcoming match, Vietnam will welcome the return of midfielder Bui Hoang Viet Anh after suspension. The match between Iraq and Vietnam will be held at 1 am on June 12, Hanoi time.