Richard Dean
The Indian men’s football team is on a quest for redemption as they prepare to face Vietnam in an international friendly match. With a new head coach and a determination to turn their fortunes around, the Blue Tigers hope to secure their first win of the year.
Struggles Under New Management
India has had a rough start in 2024, remaining winless in their international outings so far. The team has drawn three times and suffered six defeats out of nine matches, leading to mounting pressure on head coach Manolo Marquez, who took over after Igor Stimac. Marquez’s tenure has been challenging with a 0-0 draw against Mauritius and a disappointing 0-3 loss to Syria in recent friendlies.
FIFA Rankings Highlight Challenges
Ranked 126th by FIFA, India faces a tough opponent in Vietnam, who sits at 116th. This 10-spot difference hints at what may be a competitive match, although the history between the teams suggests otherwise. In their last encounter in 2022, Vietnam convincingly defeated India 3-0, adding to their two wins out of three meetings in the 21st century.
Current Form and Key Players
As the match approaches, the focus is on India’s struggle to score. The team has only netted two goals this year, one of which came from a penalty taken by longtime captain Sunil Chhetri. The lack of goals has been a crucial concern for the coaching staff and fans alike. In contrast, Vietnam will enter the game with confidence and a stronger recent performance history.
Match Details and Viewing Options
The India vs. Vietnam match will occur on Saturday, October 12, at 4:30 PM IST, held at Thien Truong Stadium in Nam Dinh. Unfortunately, Indian fans will not have access to a live television broadcast of this friendly encounter. However, live streaming will be available for free on the Vietnam Football Federation’s YouTube channel as well as on the FanCode app for India-based users.
Predicted Lineups
The starting XI for both teams include notable players who will be instrumental in their quest for victory.
India’s Starting XI:
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Goalkeeper)
- Rahul Bheke
- Anwar Ali
- Subhasish Bose
- Asish Rai
- Suresh Singh Wangjam
- Apuia Ralte
- Naorem Roshan Singh
- Brandon Fernandes
- Lallianzuala Chhangte
- Farukh Choudhary
Vietnam’s Starting XI:
- Nguyen Filip (Goalkeeper)
- Que Ngoc Hai
- Nguyen Phong Hong Duy
- Nguyen Thanh Binh
- Chau Ngoc Quang
- Nguyen Thanh Chung
- Nguyen Hoang Duc
- Le Pham Thanh Long
- Nguyen Van Toan
- Bui Vi Hao
Looking Ahead
The match is not just about seeking a victory but also about establishing a new identity under Coach Marquez. Observers will watch closely to see how well the players have adapted to his system. With the Indian Super League season underway, the players are gaining much-needed match experience, which could translate into better performance on the international stage.
Conclusion
As India takes the pitch against Vietnam, the stakes are high. Fans are hopeful for a triumphant ending to what has been a challenging year thus far. With skillful players on both sides, this friendly match promises to be an exciting spectacle that could reignite India’s aspirations in international football
