Fri Feb 06 11:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Futsal Việt Nam Reflects on Asian Cup Exit, Focuses on Youth Development for Future Success

The Story:

The Vietnamese futsal team’s journey at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 ended prematurely after a quarter-final defeat to Indonesia. Despite showing promise and creating numerous scoring opportunities, Vietnam struggled with finishing, leading to a disappointing exit. Coach Diego Giustozzi emphasized the valuable lessons learned, particularly for the young players experiencing their first continental tournament. The team aims to address their finishing woes and build a stronger foundation for future competitions, with a specific focus on the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers.

Key Points:

  • Vietnam lost to Thailand 0-1 in the group stage and to Indonesia in the quarter-finals of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup.
  • The team struggled with converting scoring opportunities, a recurring issue in previous tournaments.
  • Coach Diego Giustozzi highlights the need to improve finishing skills, mental fortitude, and decision-making under pressure.
  • The squad included a significant number of young players, including Gia Hưng, Công Viên (2002), Ngọc Ánh (2004), Đa Hải, Thanh Bảo, Công Đại (2005), and Quang Nguyên (2006).
  • The team consists of players of the two strongest teams, Thái Sơn Nam TP.HCM and Thái Sơn Bắc.
  • The focus is now on building a competitive team for the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers.
  • The AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 served as a crucial learning experience for the young players.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam’s futsal team needs to significantly improve its finishing capabilities to compete effectively at the continental level.
  • Investing in youth development and providing opportunities for young players is crucial for the long-term success of Vietnamese futsal.
  • The 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers represent a key target for Vietnamese futsal, requiring a concerted effort in player development and tactical refinement.
  • Exposure to high-pressure tournaments like the AFC Futsal Asian Cup is invaluable for the growth and development of young players.
  • Mental fortitude and composure in crucial moments are as important as technical skills in futsal.

Impact Analysis:

The early exit from the AFC Futsal Asian Cup serves as a wake-up call for Vietnamese futsal. The emphasis on youth development and addressing the finishing problem signals a long-term strategy aimed at achieving sustained success. The focus on the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers provides a clear objective and roadmap for the future. The experiences gained by the young players in this tournament will be instrumental in shaping their development and preparing them for future challenges. This approach, if executed effectively, could lead to a more competitive and successful Vietnamese futsal team in the years to come.

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