Argentina coach delighted as World Cup 'hero' returns to Vietnam national team

Coach Diego Giustozzi excited as goalkeeper Ho Van Y recovers from injury, rejoins Vietnam futsal team preparing for 2026 Southeast Asian Championship.

Coach Diego Giustozzi shared: "Van Y is a leader, an experienced and battle-hardened player who has played many international matches. I am very happy that he has recovered and returned. Van Y's presence will definitely add a quality player to the team."

Sharing on his return day, Ho Van Y expressed his joy at continuing to contribute to the national team. "I am very happy and excited to return to the Vietnam futsal team in this training camp.

Over the past eight months, I felt a bit sad due to the injury but always strived in each recovery session. In the coming time, I will strive to improve my skills, fitness, and demonstrate my abilities, hoping to join the team in Thailand for the 2026 Southeast Asian futsal championship."

In this training camp, the coaching staff continues to give opportunities to some young players like Thac Hieu or Van Giau. Regarding this decision, Coach Diego Giustozzi said the team needs to gradually rejuvenate the squad and prepare for long-term goals: "We must give opportunities to young players.

For example, Thac Hieu has performed well in the national U19 team. We have about two years to prepare for the 2028 Asian Championship with the important goal of securing a World Cup ticket.

Therefore, this is the right time for young players to gradually test themselves and be honed in the national team environment."

Compared to the squad that participated in the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship at the end of January, the Vietnam futsal team roster in this training camp has few changes.

Reviewing the recent continental tournament, head coach Diego Giustozzi assessed that the Vietnam futsal team has made positive progress in professional level. He stated: "The Vietnam futsal team showed a big step forward by having the chance to perform and play well against strong Asian teams like Thailand or Indonesia. I am satisfied with what the young players showed, but we still need to improve a lot.

Our young players played well, but they still need more matches to accumulate experience. The best way to improve oneself is through actual matches. Only when facing specific match situations can players mature."

According to the plan, the Vietnam futsal team will maintain daily training in Ho Chi Minh City before going to Thailand to participate in the 2026 Southeast Asian Futsal Championship, held from April 6 to 12. In this tournament, the Vietnam futsal team is in Group A alongside Myanmar, Timor-Leste, and host Thailand.