The continental event, which brings together a total of 16 teams, was originally scheduled to be played in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, between February 26 and March 8. However, due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak, the AFC recently announced the postponement of the tournament following consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
Despite the AFC’s decision, the Vietnamese team still hold on with their initial overseas training plans and will then return to HCM City (on Feb 19) for continuous training and to wait for further notice from the confederation.
Vietnam Coach Pham Minh Giang expressed his hopes that the Spain training spell will offer his players better conditions to improve their fitness and form, as well as to maintain their activeness and constant readiness for the Asian campaign.
Ahead of their departure, Giang announced a shortlist of 18 players for overseas training, with Ngo Ngoc Son, Nguyen Huynh Thanh Huy and Doan Minh Quang being left at home for domestic training.
As planned, during their stay in Spain, the Vietnamese futsal team will play three friendly matches against local clubs: Uma Antaquera on February 12, Malaga on February 14 and Real Betis on February 18.
Vietnam have been drawn against Oman, Tajikistan and hosts Turkmenistan in Group A at the 2020 AFC Futsal Championship. This is considered a favourable group for Vietnam in their bid for an overall top-five finish to qualify as the AFC representatives for the 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania.
