The Sydney FC NYL squad face a tough test in their next group match when they face the Vietnam U19 team on Thursday evening (7.30pm AEDT) in Can Tho, Vietnam.
It’s a do or die battle for the Young Sky Blues who must win the match by two goals to advance the semi-final stages following Vietnams’ 2-1 win over Malaysia on Tuesday night.
This is the same Vietnam side that recently defeated the Young Socceroos at the ASEAN Football Federation’s Championships and just competed at the AFC U19 World Cup qualifiers in Myanmar.
The squad is considered the “pride of the nation” and are afforded many luxuries other squads are not.
While the other teams competing at the International Newspaper Cup endure a four hour bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City the Vietnam squad flew directly into Can Tho by private jet with a personal chef in tow preparing special meals for the team.
The squad is based in the north of Vietnam in the city of Plekau and attend a full time academy backed by major sponsors and the resources of the Arsenal Football Club from the UK.
Head Coach Steve Corica says this upcoming match will be a real challenge for his players, as they prepare to compete in testing conditions against a well drilled opposition.
“The steamy conditions alone are very hard for the players with temperatures in the mid 30’s and high humidity, we have players losing up to 3 kilos per game” said Corica.
“That along with some players being ill means it’s a test of physical and mental strength for the boys.”
The match will see a capacity crowd of 20,000 in attendance this Thursday, 23rd October kick off 7.30pm (AEDT) and will be broadcast live on Vietnam TV.
