Vietnam team loses Phan Van Duc, Bui Tien Dung; Busquets retires from Spain team

Vietnam team lost Phan Van Duc and Bui Tien Dung

These two players still participated in the friendly match that won 1-0 against the Philippines on the evening of December 14. Tien Dung started, and Van Duc came on as a substitute in the second half. A day later, both showed signs of fatigue, were tested and found to be positive for Covid-19. After that, both were isolated from the rest of the team.

Center back Bui Tien Dung during a training session of the Vietnam national team in Hanoi on December 12. Photo: Hieu Luong

Therefore, Tien Dung and Van Duc were absent from the training session on the afternoon of December 16. When midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai gave a quick interview to the press before the training session, coach Park Hang-seo asked him and the reporters to wear masks to prevent the epidemic.

Currently, Laos does not require a Covid-19 test upon entry. However, after consideration, the Vietnam team's coaching staff decided to let the two players stay home to rest and isolate, to avoid spreading the infection to other members.

The Vietnamese team will go to Laos with exactly 23 players. Previously, Coach Park finalized the list of 25 players on the afternoon of December 15, with midfielders Nguyen Hai Huy and Khuat Van Khang as reserves.

Busquets retires from Spanish national team

On the evening of December 16 (Hanoi time), Busquets announced his retirement from the Spanish national team on his personal page. He shared: "After nearly 15 years and 143 matches, it's time for me to say goodbye to the national team."

"I would like to thank everyone who has been with me on this path, from Vicente del Bosque, who gave me the chance to start, to Luis Enrique for letting me enjoy until the last second. I also thank the trust of Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro or Robert Moreno and the entire coaching staff," Busquets wrote.

Busquets started playing for the Spanish national team in 2009, making 143 appearances and scoring 2 goals for "La Roja".

In addition, Busquets also sent his best wishes to his teammates as well as new coach Luis de la Fuente. Busquets started playing for the Spanish national team in 2009, making 143 appearances and scoring 2 goals for "La Roja". He participated in the period of Spanish football domination when he won the 2010 World Cup and EURO 2012.

Quang Hai reveals his preparation in Europe ahead of AFF Cup 2022

On the afternoon of December 16, the Vietnamese team had their last training session in Hanoi before departing for Laos to play the opening match within the framework of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022. The training session had the participation of midfielder Quang Hai who had just returned from Europe.

Quang Hai eagerly practices with the team. Photo: VFF

Having just returned from France, midfielder Quang Hai became the focus of the national team's training session. Before returning home to join the team, Quang Hai spent time training in Switzerland with his personal coach. "That was the time when the club was off, so I personally took advantage of it to supplement what was lacking, mainly physical strength and nutrition. I have my own coach and practice according to the club's training plan to meet the requirements of the coaching staff. Currently, I feel very good and ready for the tournament," Quang Hai said.

At the AFF Cup 2022, the Vietnam national team will play its first away match against Laos. Sharing about his personal preparation with the team, Quang Hai said: “I think as a player, you must always be prepared, must adapt quickly and know how to meet the technical requirements of each match. At the moment, we do not know what tactics Laos will play with, but we must prepare for all situations on the field. The coaching staff will have a tactical plan, each individual also needs to learn to know how to respond to all situations.”

Regarding the decision to return to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey, Quang Hai shared: “I have always longed to wear the national team jersey. That is my personal wish. Therefore, I had a conversation to find a common voice with the club on this matter, so that now I can be here to contribute to the team.”

Quang Hai also shared more about Coach Park Hang-seo's last tournament as Head Coach of the Vietnam National Team: "Not only me but all the players in the team are determined to achieve the highest results. That is a gift of gratitude to Coach Park Hang-seo."

On the morning of December 17, the Vietnamese team will take a flight from Hanoi to Vientiane (Laos). Coach Park Hang-seo and his team will have 4 days of preparation in a foreign country before entering the opening match in the regional arena.