India’s senior men’s football team will face Vietnam in a one-off friendly match on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Nam Định, Vietnam. This fixture comes as a result of Lebanon’s withdrawal from the planned tri-nation friendly tournament.
Lebanon withdrawal alters schedule
Originally, India was set to play two matches in the friendly series: against Vietnam on October 9 and Lebanon on October 12. However, following Lebanon’s withdrawal, the schedule had to be altered. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) requested the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to move the Vietnam-India game to October 12.
The VFF agreed to the change, making this match the only fixture for India during this international break.
Points at stake for FIFA Rankings
The match, scheduled to kick off at 16:30 IST at the Thiên Trường Stadium, will be an official international friendly, with FIFA ranking points on the line. This makes the encounter crucial for both sides as they seek to climb the FIFA World Rankings and fine-tune their strategies ahead of upcoming international competitions.
India’s Preparation Plans
India’s team will gather in Kolkata on October 5, where they will hold a training session on October 6. Head coach Manolo Márquez and his squad will then depart for Vietnam on October 7 to continue their preparations. This match will be Márquez’s opportunity to test his squad against strong regional opposition.
Márquez has announced a list of 26 probables for this fixture, with the final squad of 23 players to be confirmed before the team travels to Vietnam. The selection process will be crucial as India seeks to field a strong side capable of competing at a high level.
Important Test for Indian Football Team
With only one game scheduled for this international break, India will be keen to make the most of their clash with Vietnam. The match will not only provide a valuable opportunity for the team to build chemistry but also contribute to their FIFA ranking, making it a significant event in the team’s international calendar.
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