Vietnam player returns after mourning father

Midfielder Vu Minh Tuan - who scored against Indonesia in a recent friendly match - has returned to training and participated in the team's first training session in Hanoi, preparing for the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 semi-final.

Vu Minh Tuan (right) on the training ground at My Dinh Stadium on the afternoon of December 5. The midfielder from Quang Ninh has just returned after taking care of his father's funeral who passed away from cancer. That is the reason why he could not go to Indonesia to play the first leg on December 3. Minh Tuan was the author of the goal that raised the score to 2-0 in the friendly match in Indonesia on October 9. Therefore, his return in the upcoming match promises to help coach Nguyen Huu Thang have more reliable options in attack.

Leaving behind the unsatisfactory results of the first leg, the players entered the first training session with a relaxed mentality.

With the home-away goal rule, Xuan Truong and his teammates only need to win 1-0 to advance. In case Indonesia scores, they need to win by two goals or more.

Currently, only midfielder Ngo Hoang Thinh is not in the best physical condition, and has to practice separately with the doctor. The remaining members are all in good shape.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien came to the training ground to encourage coach Huu Thang and his team. He said the players must quickly forget the results of the first leg to relax their minds and prepare well for the upcoming life-and-death battle.

In a moment of inspiration, the Minister kicked the ball into the goal at My Dinh Stadium.

Unlike the time in Indonesia, today coach Huu Thang let the team practice behind closed doors. The media was only allowed to work during the warm-up period, before being asked to leave the field.

The second leg of the semi-final between Vietnam and Indonesia will take place at 7pm on December 7, live on VnExpress.

According to VNE