Corona virus makes it difficult for Vietnamese football

According to the announced schedule, the 2020 National Cup officially kicks off on February 9, while the 2020 V-League kicks off its first match on February 22 and the National First Division kicks off on February 29.

Previously, the Super Cup match between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi was scheduled for February 7, 2020 at Thong Nhat Stadium. But the Corona virus pandemic has disrupted all plans of VPF and the clubs.

Adjust schedule

The early elimination from the 2020 AFC U23 Championship gives Mr. Park and his players more time to prepare and focus on the two remaining major goals: the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and the plan to defend the AFF Cup championship at the end of 2020.

Cong Phuong during the Corona virus pandemic. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City.

VPF thought it could breathe a sigh of relief because for many years, this could be the first time the V-League and the National Cup have not been changed because of the priority for the national team to perform their duties. But the Corona virus appeared and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed a decision to announce the Wuhan pneumonia epidemic caused by the new strain of Corona virus on the morning of February 1, forcing VFF to hold an urgent meeting and change the schedule.

Due to the Government's request to avoid large gatherings to prevent the spread of the Corona virus, the Super Cup was postponed and not held on February 7 as originally scheduled. Both defending champion Hanoi FC and runner-up Ho Chi Minh City, although their training plans were disrupted, happily complied with the Organizing Committee's request for the common health of the community.

According to the original plan, in addition to having 5 warm-up matches at V.League, Mr. Park's students will have a friendly match with "blue team" Iraq on March 26 before flying to Bukit Jalil to meet host Malaysia. Due to the complicated developments of the Corona epidemic, Mr. Park and VFF will certainly have to adjust the training schedule and possibly find more friendly blue team.

Malaysia takes advantage of additional troops

While Vietnam is at a disadvantage, the Malaysian Football Federation has recently submitted naturalization applications for two players, Brazilian striker Guilherme De Paula and Kosovo midfielder Liridon Krasniqi. Striker Krasniqi plays for Kedah FC, while De Paula plays for Perak FC in the Malaysian national championship.

Both players are highly regarded by coach Tan Cheng-Hoe for their physique, fitness and individual skills. The 51-year-old coach believes that they will help Malaysia win the match against the Vietnamese team. In the Metro Daily, FAM general secretary Stuart Ramalingam is very confident in the success of naturalizing these two players:“We have met all the requirements of FIFA. Now we just need to wait for the decision from this organization.”

Because of its proximity to China, where the outbreak began, Vietnam is the only country in Southeast Asia directly affected by the Corona pandemic. If domestic tournaments are postponed, the team's plan to defend the AFF Cup championship at the end of 2020 will also be affected.

Quang Hai and the national team players protect themselves. Photo: FBCN

In preparation for the 2020 V.League, the First Division and the National Cup, professional football teams have basically completed the recruitment work and are gradually releasing the training volume. The postponement of the schedule has forced the teams to adjust their training plans to have the best performance on the opening day. With no other choice, the teams have to focus on training while listening to the situation and waiting for the decisions of VPF.

With V.League teams that have not yet recruited foreign players like SLNA, Thanh Hoa has more time to decide on foreign player selection and team formation. Professional football teams are joining hands with the community to fight the Corona virus pandemic.