India’s senior men’s football team is set to take on Vietnam in a one-off friendly match on October 12, 2024, after Lebanon withdrew from the originally planned tri-nation friendly tournament.
The game, which will be held at the Thiên Trường Stadium in Nam Định, Vietnam, is part of the October FIFA International Match Window and will impact both teams’ FIFA rankings.
Revised Schedule Following Lebanon’s Withdrawal
Initially, India was scheduled to play two matches in the tri-nation tournament—facing Vietnam on October 9 and Lebanon on October 12. However, Lebanon’s unexpected withdrawal from the competition forced the organizers to make adjustments. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) promptly requested the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to reschedule the India-Vietnam match to October 12. This request was accepted, and the game will now be the only fixture in the tournament.
Kickoff is set for 16:30 IST, and the match will be classified as an official friendly, meaning the result will contribute to each team’s standing in the FIFA rankings. With Vietnam ranked higher than India, the game presents a valuable opportunity for India to improve its standing on the global stage.
India’s Preparation and Training Camp
Ahead of the encounter, the Indian team, led by head coach Manolo Márquez, will assemble in Kolkata on October 5. The squad will conduct a training session the following day before departing for Vietnam on October 7. Once in Vietnam, the team will continue its preparations for the October 12 showdown. Márquez will use this period to fine-tune the tactics and make final adjustments.
The Indian football federation is keen on using this opportunity to sharpen the team’s competitive edge before the upcoming matches, including a scheduled friendly against Malaysia in November.
Manolo Márquez Announces 26-member Probables List
On September 30, 2024, Márquez unveiled a 26-man list of probables for the Vietnam fixture. The final squad, consisting of 23 players, will be confirmed before the team’s departure to Vietnam.
The probables list features a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents.
Goalkeepers:
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
- Amrinder Singh
- Vishal Kaith
Defenders:
- Nikhil Poojary
- Rahul Bheke
- Chinglensana Singh Konsham
- Anwar Ali
- Aakash Sangwan
- Subhasish Bose
- Asish Rai
- Mehtab Singh
- Roshan Singh Naorem
Midfielders:
- Suresh Singh Wangjam
- Lalrinliana Hnamte
- Jeakson Singh Thounaojam
- Nandhakumar Sekar
- Brandon Fernandes
- Anirudh Thapa
- Liston Colaco
- Lalengmawia
- Lallianzuala Chhangte
Forwards:
- Rahim Ali
- Edmund Lalrindika
- Farukh Chaudhary
- Manvir Singh
- Vikram Partap Singh
Vietnam: A Tough Opponent
Vietnam, ranked 95th in the world, is expected to be a challenging opponent for India. Known for their organized play and disciplined defensive structure, Vietnam has consistently performed well in regional tournaments like the AFF Cup and the Asian Cup.
This friendly presents India with an opportunity to test itself against a higher-ranked side, which could serve as excellent preparation for future competitive fixtures. Additionally, a strong performance against Vietnam could significantly boost India’s confidence heading into their November friendly against Malaysia.
Future Plans: Malaysia Friendly in November
After the Vietnam fixture, the Indian team will shift its focus to another crucial international friendly. India is scheduled to host Malaysia on November 19, 2024, as part of the next FIFA Window. The venue for this encounter has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be held in India.
The November fixture will be an important match for India, especially given the team’s previous encounter with Malaysia. In October 2023, the two sides met in the semi-final of the Merdeka Cup, where India suffered a 2-4 defeat. With that loss still fresh in memory, the Blue Tigers will be keen to set the record straight and secure a positive result on home soil.
A Crucial Test for India
The October 12 friendly against Vietnam presents a valuable opportunity for India to sharpen its game against a formidable opponent. With Lebanon’s withdrawal forcing a shift in the original schedule, India will now focus entirely on their single encounter with Vietnam. This match, coupled with the upcoming friendly against Malaysia, forms a crucial part of India’s preparations for the future.
Manolo Márquez and his squad will aim to make the most of these matches to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum, knowing that every friendly offers a chance to improve their standing in the FIFA rankings. As the Blue Tigers gear up for the Vietnam challenge, fans will be eager to see how India performs in what promises to be a competitive and engaging contest.
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When will India face Vietnam?
October 12
