At present, the UAE arethird in Group G of the World Cup 2022 Asian zone’s second qualification roundwith six points, behind Thailand and Vietnam, who both have seven.
With only the eightgroup winners and four best runners-up progressing to the final round ofqualification, the match at Hanoi's My Dinh Stadium is a must-win for theaway side.
Korean coach Park told apress conference in Hanoi on November 13 that their loss to Thailand had putthe UAE in a weak position, so they would throw the kitchen sink at the'Golden Stars'.
“The match with Vietnamhas vital meaning for the UAE. They will try their best to take a win. That issure. I believe the UAE will choose a time in the game to play at all costs,”said Park.
“However, we analysedand have plans to face that situation,” Park added.
Park had high praise forhis opposite number, UAE coach Bert van Marwijk, who led theNetherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup.
“Marwijk is a goodtrainer. He often uses the counterattack and UAE also often maintain theirforce in the midfield. It will be a hard game for Vietnam, but we enter everymatch with the state of mind of seeking a win,” said Park.
Meanwhile,van Marwijk said Vietnam were the strongest team in Group G.
According to theDutchman, Vietnam have a quality line-up and a very good way of playing. Healso said he was impressed with Vietnam's diverse tactics, which he hadstudied extensively.
The UAE trained inThailand before coming to Vietnam.
On November 13, Parkannounced his final 23-man squad for the match, releasing Nguyen Trong Hung ofThanh Hoa and Ngan Van Dai of Hanoi FC from the 25-man edition.
The squad has changedlittle since the last two qualifiers against Malaysia and Indonesia, with keyplayers like Doan Van Hau, Nguyen Cong Phuong, and goalie Dang Van Lamall available.
On the other side, theUAE will have to do without striker Ali Mabkhout as he has been suspendedfor receiving two yellow cards. Mabkhout has scored six goals in thisWorld Cup qualifying round.
A team of referees fromJapan will officiate the upcoming match led by Jumpei Iida, whorefereed Vietnam’s 1-0 victory against Thailand in the King’s Cup in Junethis year.
The match will kick offat 8pm and will be live broadcast on VTC1 and VTC3./.