Opportunity to attend World Cup 2022 is wide open for Vietnam; Tuan Anh to retire early?

100% of votes in favor of increasing the number of teams participating in the World Cup

At the 2018/19 season's High-Level Football Conference, in addition to the topic of the future of football, FIFA also raised an interesting question about increasing the number of teams participating in the 2022 World Cup from the current 32 to 48 teams. The survey question posed by FIFA was "Do you agree to increase the number of teams participating in the 2022 World Cup from 32 to 48 countries if that is feasible?". As a result, 9/12 votes overwhelmingly agreed, the remaining 3 representatives were absent, so the survey result was 100%.

Participating in the World Cup is a dream for Vietnamese football. Photo: Archive

It is known that if the survey results are approved, the 2022 World Cup will likely be the first time in history that 48 teams will participate (this honor previously belonged to the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the United States).

This will be an opportunity for small football nations in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam or Thailand to have access to the world's largest playground. According to FIFA's calculations, increasing the number of teams participating in the World Cup from 32 to 48 will help Asia have 8.5 participating slots instead of 4.5 as before.

B. Binh Duong lost forces in the Super Cup match against Hanoi

B.Binh Duong suffered a loss of personnel before the 2018 National Super Cup match when striker Nguyen Tien Linh suffered a knee injury, midfielder Le Tan Tai suffered from heel inflammation and both were unable to return to training.

Striker Nguyen Tien Linh of B. Binh Duong. Photo: Sports 247

Coach Tran Minh Chien was cautious before the match: "In fact, Hanoi controlled the match very well. To prepare for the upcoming match. We have many options. We really hope the match will be a draw and enter a penalty shootout." If they win, the team from the land of Thu will set a record as the team with the most times lifting the National Super Cup in history (5).

Midfielder Tuan Anh announces retirement date

Midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh has returned to football after 8 months of absence for treatment. In a recent sharing from Tuan Anh's father, Nguyen Van Dung, the HAGL midfielder had to go through an extremely difficult time but overcame it all with great determination.

Tuan Anh struggles with injury before AFF Cup 2016. Photo: HAGL FC

"This Tet, Tuan Anh came home to practice. He runs well now. He no longer has pain from his injury. During Tet, I witnessed him practicing physical exercises at home with great determination, it was heartbreaking to see. He practiced a lot. He woke up at 5am and ran around the yard, his shirt wet. It was really terrible. I thought the last injury was the last. He tried very hard and had the will to return to football. He said this was the last time he would return to football," said Mr. Dung.

Le Cong Vinh: "Playing 50% of the matches will be a success for Phuong"

Speaking about his junior's trip to Incheon United, former striker Le Cong Vinh said: "Regarding the opportunity to play, I don't know how HAGL will negotiate with the club in Korea, but I believe this time Cong Phuong going abroad will be different. Phuong played well at the Asian Cup and that performance could make teams in Korea want to own him.

Cong Phuong received shirt number 23 at his new team. Photo: CLB

The opportunity has come and the rest is how Phuong takes advantage of it. Cong Phuong must accept being arranged in any position the coach requires. He is no longer the first choice and must compete more fiercely. Playing 50% of the matches will be Phuong's success, not to mention how many goals he scores and how many assists he makes."