Vietnam confident of Futsal World Cup progress

Despite being drawn in quite a tough Futsal World Cup group with world's second strongest team Brazil, Vietnam's national futsal team are optimistic about their chance for advance.

Vietnam, ranking 43rd in world ranking, are in group D with Brazil, the Czech Republic (16th in world ranking) and Panama (37th), according to a draw Tuesday night.

Tran Anh Tu, chairman of Vietnam Professional Football JSC and head of Futsal Department, said: "I think Vietnam's group is not too challenging, but it’s not easy neither. Brazil are on another level, so it’s no doubt they will take the top spot. The Czech Republic are ranked 16th in the world and really strong. But Panama are only three places above Vietnam in world rankings.

"We need around three to four points to make it through the group stage. Hopefully, the team can repeat the feat of advancing to round 16 like at Futsal World Cup 2016."

Vietnam qualified for Futsal World Cup 2021 after defeating Lebanon in the playoffs last week. The team are being quarantined after returning from the United Arab Emirates.

National team player Nguyen Minh Tri said: "I’m glad we didn't fall into group E with Spain, Paraguay and Japan. It would be a nightmare. Looking at our opponents in group D, I think we will have a chance if we prepare thoroughly and play well."

Tri played in the friendly where Vietnam beat Brazil in 2013. "I’m excited to face the top stars from Brazil," he said.

"I don’t have much information about the other two teams, but I’m sure they are also strong. We will have to study these opponents carefully. In my opinion, Vietnam can get through the group stage," he added.

Goalkeeper Ho Van Y, Vietnam's unsung hero in the World Cup playoff with Lebanon, is also confident about the team's progress.

"I think this is a tough group. Brazil are too strong for the rest, so Vietnam will compete for the second place with the Czech Republic and Panama. We always enter every game with confidence, no matter how strong the opponents are and we will try our best," Y said.

Futsal World Cup 2021 will kick off in Lithuania on Sept. 12, with the final set to be played on Oct. 3.

Vietnam will play the first game of group D against Brazil on Sept. 13, then Panama on the 16th and Czech Republic on the 19th.

The team are set to gather in August then go to Spain for training before transferring to Lithuania.