A reserves league ?

A reserves league table in England

Reserves league is nothing new in the world of football. A reserves league is an ideal chance for back-up players and youngsters to play competitive football. We can see this type of competition in many countries, from football giants like England or France to our regional neighbor Thailand. A reserves league for U22 players from Thai Premier League clubs has just been launched recently. It really shows professionalism and long-term view of Thai clubs.

What about Vietnam? Many football pundits are worried about lack of competitive football for young Vietnamese footballers as V-League is a very high-demanding league and always full of foreigners. Young players except some outstanding ones stand no chance to play. A reserves league will solve the problem.

Nevertheless, the remaining problem is if Vietnamese clubs are interested. Reserves league was indeed launched in Vietnam about 7 or 8 years ago. It, however, was ended just a year later because too few clubs entered. Some Vietnamese clubs are always looking for short-term benefit. For instance, Hai Phong spent a lot of money to bring Denilson and a lot of V-League stars to their team but they don't even have a young squad. Thanh Hoa is the same, having spent $2 mil to take over The Cong and disbanded Thanh Hoa B with a lot of young players due to 'financial difficulty'. However, some better clubs like Binh Duong, Da Nang and HAGL are worth praises for investing a lot in young players. Binh Duong even has a B team playing in the first division.

It seems Vietnam needs more professional clubs first, let alone a reserves league.

First round of V-League 2010

Not enough for HAGL

Hoa Phat Ha Noi vs Ha Noi T&T: 1-2
Khanh Hoa vs HAGL: 4-2
Nam Dinh vs Dong Thap: 2-2
Thanh Hoa vs Binh Duong: 2-6
Ninh Binh vs GDT Long An : 0-0
SLNA vs Navibank Saigon: 1-1

23 goals/6 matches. Pretty high goal scoring rate.
The most notable point of this round is Binh Duong won 6-2 against Super Cup champs Thanh Hoa although the home side scored the first 2 goals.

Da Nang out of ACL 2010

SHB Da Nang seems too inexperienced for continental competitions. They also embarrassed themselves when two players saw red.

Finished last in BTV Cup.
Lost the Super Cup game to a low-profile club like Thanh Hoa.
Trounced 0-3 by Muangthong United at home in the playoff today.

Not the best start for the new season.

ACL 2010 Playoff: SHB Da Nang vs Muangthong Utd

In the pre-match press conference held this morning, representative of both teams showed the determination to win tomorrow game.

Rene Desaeyere, Muangthong head coach, stated that his side would not go home empty-handed. Although admitting some difficulties his team may meet when important players like Teerasil Dangda, Dasatkorn Thonglao and Berkant Goktan are absent, he believes Muangthong still can win the game. Desaeyere also said that he had watched the super cup game between Da Nang and Thanh Hoa some days ago and he had collected some useful info about his side's opponent.

Head coach Le Huynh Duc of SHB Da Nang told the press that he knew quite little about Muangthong Utd. One more matter is that Da Nang will be without top striker Almeida in tomorrow match. Therefore, there are only 2 foreigners in Da Nang squad while Muangthong has 4. However, Le Huynh Duc believed home advantage can help his team advance to next round.

Winner of tomorrow game will travel to Singapore to play the playoff final against SAFFC, that defeated Sriwijaya 3-0 this evening.

SHB Da Nang squad:

1 - Vo Van Hanh (GK)
2 - Cao Cuong (D)
3 - Nguyen Quoc Thanh (D)
4 - Tran Van Hoc (D)
5 - Vo Hoang Quang (D)
6 - Chau Le Phuoc Vinh (D)
7 - Phan Thanh Phuc (M)
9 - Vo Ngoc Quoc (M)
10 - Ha Minh Tuan (F)
11 - Nguyen Van Meo (M)
12 - Le Quang Cuong (D)
13 - Nguyen Thanh Binh (GK)
14 - Pham Nguyen Sa (M)
15 - Tran Hai Lam (D)
16 - Rogerio Machado Pereira (M, Brazil)
17 - Nguyen Dinh Anh Phuc (M)
18 - Truong Quang Tuan (M)
19 - Phan Thanh Hung (M)
21 - Phan Duy Lam (D)
22 - Doan Hung Son (M)
23 - Huynh Quoc Anh (M)
24 - Nguyen Thanh Trung (M)
25 - Tran Duc Cuong (GK)
26 - Le Thanh Xuan (F)
27 - Merlo Sebastian Gaston (F, Argentina)
28 - Nguyen Huu Hung (D)
29 - Le Van Hoang (D)
Jose Emidio De Jesus De Almeida (F, Brazil)

Muangthong United squad:

1 - Phanphiphat Thanongsak (GK)
3 - Saensook Pakasit (D)
4 - Wongsa Panupong (D)
5 - Jitsawad Jietsada (D)
6 - Phanrit Nataporn (D)
8 - Kaewprom Jakkaphan (M)
10 - Dangda Teerasil (F)
11 - Thamaphan Piyachart (D)
13 - Kouakou Yao Christian (F, Cote D'ivoire)
14 - Winothai Teeratep (F)
15 - Sylla Moussa Guineenne (M, Guinea)
16 - Nontadee Phaitoon (M)
17 - Pannasi Wisarut (M)
18 - Ar-Romsawa Naruphol (M)
19 - Choeichiu Phichitphong (M)
20 - Thummanam Amorn (D)
23 - Buntao Piyaphon (M)
24 - Soumahoro Aliyoune Yaya (M, Cote D'ivoire)
26 - Thamsatchanan Kawin (GK)
28 - Zaizen Nobuyuki (M, Japan)
40 - Ukrit Wongmeema (GK)

V-League 2010 Preview

V-League 2010 will start on Jan 31.
Fixtures and results can be found at vleague.vn
FULL SQUAD OF V-LEAGUE 2010 TEAMS CAN BE FOUND HERE
ALL-TIME LIST OF FOREIGN PLAYERS IN VIETNAM

1. SHB Da Nang: Champions of V-League 2009


Despite top striker Jose Emidio Almeida was not registered for the first phase due to injury, Da Nang still have a quality squad that many V-League sides dream of. Most of senior players are Vietnamese internationals, not to mention a lot of promising youngsters who are best players in U23, U21 or U19 national side. If important players like midfielder Nguyen Rogerio and striker Gaston Merlo can keep their form, Da Nang is surely biggest contender for V-League 2010 title.

Foreign players: Gaston Merlo (Argentina), Cesar Cucchi (Argentina), Diego Mendez (Argentina), Nikolas Hernandez (Argentina), Williams Christopher (USA).

Notable transfer:
In: Nikolas Hernandez, Diego Mendez, Williams Christopher, Hoang Minh Tuan.
Out: Eduardo Molina, Raphael Marques, Almeida.

2. Becamex Binh Duong: 2nd in V-League 2009


Binh Duong has a lot of attacking stars in its squad with 3 V-League top goal-scorers: Huynh Kesley Alves, Amaobi and Elenildo de Jesus. Although aging squad is a problem, Binh Duong is still considered one of best Vietnamese teams.

Foreign players: Philani Kubehka (South Africa), Egbo Osita (Nigeria), Amaobi Honest (Nigeria), Elenildo de Jesus (Brazil), Eduardo Molina (Argentina).

Notable transfer:
In: Eduardo Molina, Egbo Osita, Amaobi Honest, Elenildo de Jesus, Nguyen Minh Chuyen, Thanh Tung.
Out: Vu Nhu Thanh, Helio, Mbabazi, Lima.

3. SLNA: 3rd in V-League 2009



Last season was a big success for the Vinh-based club. Fans hope SLNA can even achieve more in coming season when the club has got over financial difficulties.

Foreign players: Goran Brasnic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Rajko Vidovic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Zakovic (Serbia), Miterovic (Serbia), Mauro (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Lam Tan, Helio, Goran Brasnic, Rajko Vidovic, Mauro, Thierry Ngale.
Out: Thanh Hoan, Hong Tien.

4. Ha Noi T&T: 4th in V-league 2009.



Rich club Ha Noi T&T is a very ambitious side and V-League 2010 championship is the club's target.

Foreign players: Cristiano (Brazil), Benicio (Brazil), Francois Endene (Cameroon), Gonzalo (Argentina), Kizito Lawrence (Uganda).

Notable transfer:
In: Vo Duy Nam, Van Bien, Ngoc Duy, Quoc Long.
Out: Cassiano, Agostino, Minh Duc, Huy Thai.

5. CS Dong Thap: 5th in V-League 2009


Despite finishing 5th last season, Dong Thap will have to work hard to avoid relegation this season. A lot of important players have said goodbye to the club.

Foreign players: Samson Kayode (Nigeria), Olushola Aganun (Nigeria), Felix Ajala (Nigeria), Adesope Hammed (Nigeria), Sunday Jbeji (Nigeria).

Notable transfer:
In: Felix, Thai Duong, Hamed.
Out: Aniekan Ekpe, Timothy Anjembe, Quy Suu, Kim Long, Andela Atangana.

6. Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL): 6th in V-League 2009



The arrival of Kiatisuk Senamuang has inspired HAGL players to challenge for V-League 2010. Fans and players are very hungry for success.

Foreign players: Lee Nguyen (USA), Michal Silhavy (Czech Republic), Toledo (Brazil), Marcelo (Brazil), Uwanaka (Nigeria).

Notable transfer:
In: Michal Silhavy, Toledo, Marcelo, Uwanaka, Quy Suu
Out: Thonglao, Cesar, Moustapha Mane, Phan Thanh Binh.

7. Xi Mang Hai Phong (XMHP): 7th in V-league 2009



XMHP was the biggest spender in last transfer market with the arrival of series of V-League stars like Aniekan, Lazaro, John Wole, Dinh Hoang Max, Duc Duong, Bui Quang Huy... Hai Phong board wants to make XMHP a new powerhouse in Vietnam and V-League 2010 title is also the club's biggest target. A visit to Lach Tray stadium coud be a nightmare for any team.

Foreign players: Lazaro (Brazil), Aniekan Ekpe (Nigeria), John Wole (Nigeria), Williams da Silva (Brazil), Leandro Luz (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Lazaro, Aniekan Ekpe, John Wole, Williams da Silva, Bui Quang Huy, Duc Duong, Dinh Hoang Max.
Out: Tuan Diep, Dang Van Thanh, Elenildo de Jesus.

8. Khatoco Khanh Hoa: 8th in V-league 2009



Depite losing some good players, Khanh Hoa is always a tough opponent for any V-League side. A mid-table finish will be a suitable target for the club.

Foreign players: Curic Mladen (Croatia), Ansah Issifu (Ghana), Mustapha Essuman (Ghana), Jonathan Quartey (Ghana), Agostinho (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Curic Mladen, Agostinho.
Out: Vo Duy Nam, Felix, Nyom.

9. Lam Son Thanh Hoa (formerly The Cong): 9th in V-League 2009



Thanh Hoa started this season with the Super Cup victory over Da Nang. It was a huge boost for them as the awaiting V-League is gonna be a tough one.

Foreign player: Anthony Kankam (Ghana), Lima da Silva (Brazil), Tostao (Zimbabwe), Gilson da Silva (Brazil), Etiene Bogonba (Cameroon).

Notable transfer:
In: Le Phuoc Tu, Thach Bao Khanh, Gilson da Silva.
Out: Egbo Osita.

10. GDT Long An: 10th in V-League 2009


GDT Long An is the most quiet team among big Vietnamese clubs. Their ambition is also put under question.

Foreign players: Antonio Carlos (Brazil), Kabanga Tshamala ( DR Congo), Filip Madzovski (Macedonia), Bogere Asman (Uganda), Danny David (Tanzania).

Notable transfer:
In: Filip Madzovski, Kim Long.
Out: Viet Thang.

11.Navibank Sai Gon (formerly Quan Khu 4): 11th in V-League 2009



Navibank Sai Gon will not have to worry about financial problems like they did last season as the club is now a wealthy one. Moving its base to Sai Gon, the club wants to make V-League 2010 the first step for their long-term ambition.

Foreign players: Andrew Opara (Nigeria), Suleiman (Nigeria), Pinto da Silva (Brazil), Martins Trindade (Brazil), Flavio (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Martins Trindade, Suleiman.
Out: Lazaro, Mota

12. Megastar Nam Dinh: 12th in V-League 2009


Nearly the whole first-team squad of last season has gone. Nam Dinh will have to rely on young players in V-League 2010.

Foreign players: Chinedu Nweze (Nigeria), Lawson Adtebu (Nigeria), Gaspard Yelleduor (Cameroon), Philip Okoro (Nigeria), Arnaw Nsem (Cameroon).

Notable transfer:
In: None.
Out: Bui Quang Huy, Duc Duong, Van Bien, Amaobi.

13. The Vissai Ninh Binh: Newly promoted




Ninh Binh is a very ambitious side. The clubs has just captured Viet Thang and Nhu Thanh, two biggest signings of last transfer market.

Foreign players: Junior Laerte (Brazil), Mota (Brazil), Gustavo Duarado (Brazil), Joao da Silva (Brazil), Raphael (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Viet Thang, Nhu Thanh, Mota, Raphael.
Out: Dinh Hoang Max, Suleiman, Jean-Baptiste Agnimau.

14. Hoa Phat Ha Noi: Newly promoted.



Hoa Phat Ha Noi wants to prove that it's no pushover in V-League 2010. The club has set a mid-table finish as its target in the coming season.

Foreign players: Justin Myers (USA), John Krause (USA), Eduardo Furrier (Brazil), Timothy Anjembe (Nigeria), Kleber dos Santos (Brazil).

Notable transfer:
In: Eduardo Furrier, Timothy Anjembe.
Out: Belibi.

FULL SQUAD OF V-LEAGUE 2010 TEAMS CAN BE FOUND HERE
ALL-TIME LIST OF FOREIGN PLAYERS IN VIETNAM

8 more foreign players become Vietnamese citizens

Striker Tshamala

Eight foreign players have just completed all necessary formalities to get Vietnamese citizenship. Therefore they were registered as Vietnamese players for the coming season. All of these 8 players have spent 5 years living in Vietnam.

Le Van Phu (Ansah Issifu - Ghana - Khanh Hoa)
Le Van Tan (Jonathan Quartey - Ghana - Khanh Hoa)
Le Hoang Tran Xi (Dio - Brazil - Ninh Binh)
Hoang Vissai (Da Silva - Brazil - Ninh Binh)
Le Hoang Phat Thierry (Thierry Ngale - Cameroon - SLNA)
Nguyen Hoang Helio (Helio da Silva - Brazil - SLNA)
Ly Lam Wa (Issawa Singthong - Thailand - GDT Long An)
Le Minh Tshamala (Tshamala Kabanga - DR Congo - GDT Long An)

Thanh Hoa won Super Cup

Super Cup 2010:

SHB Da Nang vs Lam Son Thanh Hoa: 1-1 (PK: 2-4)

Glorious time of local football

Navibank Cup 2010 semi-final between Navibank Saigon and Ho Chi Minh FC was the first 'derby' between two Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) sides. Nevertheless if you had been in Thong Nhat stadium at that time, you would have found that the atmosphere was even worse than what you often see in a student football match. The stands were nearly empty while the fans didn't seem much interested in the match.

Ho Chi Minh City (or Sai Gon) was once a center of Vietnamese football about more than 10 years ago. There were 3 clubs in Sai Gon at that time: Cong An TPHCM (HCMC Police), Cang Sai Gon (Saigon Port) and Hai Quan. All of them were strong clubs in Vietnam. Thong Nhat stadium was always flooded with fans in every derby match. But it's what happened in the past. Since the birth of V-League, these clubs have disappeared one by one and so have their fans.

Take Cong An Ho Chi Minh as an example. Due to financial difficulties, Cong An TPHCM was given to Dong A bank in 2002 and the club was renamed to Dong A Bank. However, the club just went down and down. A few years later, it was taken over by Vinakansai Corporation and the whole club was moved to its new base in Ninh Binh Province.

Back to present, 2 HCMC clubs are quite new and strange to local fans. HCMC FC was formerly known as Cang Sai Gon. Its old name as well as its tradition has just gone since last year. The hopeless club is now a weak side with bleak future. Fans are very disappointed with its state at the moment but they can do nothing. Meanwhile Navibank Saigon was a brand new club in HCMC. Its former name is Quan Khu 4, a club used to be based in Vinh City. The team is ambitious and financially well-supported but it was still too early for local fans to regard it as a HCMC side.

The same stories also happened in Ha Noi with the disappearance of The Cong and Cong An Ha Noi. Time of tradition and local pride has gone. It was sad when a friend living in HCMC told me that every time he wanted to watch a football match, he had to travel to Go Dau Stadium in neighboring Binh Duong city.

Binh Duong sign record sponsorship deal

'Chelsea Vietnam' has just agreed a record sponsorship deal with Maritime Bank. As part of the one-year contract, Maritime Bank trademark will be put on Binh Duong jersey while the club will receive USD 800,000 from its sponsor in return.

Binh Duong FC, which is financially backed by Becamex IDC, is known as one of richest clubs in Vietnam. With the new deal with Maritime Bank, the club will have USD 4 mil in budget for 2010 season.

Lee Nguyen come back to HAGL

American-Vietnamese star Lee Nguyen arrived on Vietnam on Jan 19. He was registered as a member of HAGL squad in V-League 2010.

Since the end of Lee's training drill with Arsenal 3 months ago, he has been absent from Ham Rong and many believed that HAGL would terminate his contract. However, both sides has settled down and Lee will stay with HAGL till 2012. HAGL has offered Lee an improved contract as his demand.

Muangthong United completed Thonglao transfer

Thai Premier League 2009 Champs Muangthong United and Vietnamese side HAGL have come to an agreement on the transfer of Dasatkorn Thonglao. HAGL said Muangthong had decided to meet HAGL's demand of USD 200,000 as transfer fee for the Thailand international. I believe it's the new record of transfer fee in Southeast Asia.

It is very likely that Thonglao will be in Muangthong United squad which will play the ACL 2010 Playoff against Da Nang on Jan 31.

Huynh Kesley won Golden Boot

Final result of the Golden Boot Award 2009:
1. Huynh Kesley Alves (Binh Duong) (Golden Boot)
2. Hoang Dinh Tung (Thanh Hoa) (Silver Boot)

Some photos from the ceremony:

Huynh Kesley with his family

Promising striker Hoang Dinh Tung

Images from vleague.vn

Amaobi join Binh Duong

V-League 2004 top goal-scorer Amaobi Uzowuru Honest has just signed a contract with Becamex Binh Duong. The Nigerian striker is no stranger in Go Dau Stadium as he was once a member of 'Chelsea Vietnam' in 2006 and 2007.

After V-League 2009 ended, Amaobi left Nam Dinh for a trial in a Serbian top-tier club. However, he decided to return to V-League and successfully convinced Binh Duong to offer him a contract. Binh Duong was looking for an experienced striker as the club will have to compete in both V-League 2010 and AFC Cup 2010. The appearance of Amaobi means striker Marcelin Nkemi will have to find a new club because Binh Duong have made its 5 foreign players quota full.

Binh Duong also completed the deal with Vietnamese player Le Quoc Vuong. Quoc Vuong was regarded best Vietnamese central midfielder about 5 years ago. However, he was banned globally and imprisoned due to match-fixing scandal in 2005. Binh Duong head coach, Mai Duc Chung, hopes he can help Quoc Vuong find his best again.

Da Nang concerned over Almeida injury

SHB Da Nang top striker Almeida may be sidelined for at least 5 months due to serious injury. His absence could be a big blow to ambitious side SHB Da Nang. As time is running out for V-League 2010 foreign players registration deadline, SHB Da Nang is now looking for a replacement for Almeida as well as some more quality foreign players.

Players are in trial with Da Nang:
Williams Christopher (United States - Defender)
Eduardo Manuel (Argentina - Midfielder)
Iddi Alkhag (Denmark - Striker)
Nikolas (Argentina - Striker)
Diego (Argentina - Midfielder)

SHB Da Nang needs 3 more foreign players as Argentine duo Gaston Merlo and Cesar Cocchi have been registered for V-League 2010.

Watch Asian Cup 2011 Qualifier: Vietnam vs China Live

The match will be available on VTV2:
Time: January 17, 19h00 (GMT+7)

http://itv.xem24h.org/?p=80
http://tivitructuyen.net/vtv2.htm
vtc.com.vn (then select VTV2 from list)
http://www.hoangvi.com/tvonline.html (then select VTV2 from list)
http://www.tivi360.com/2009/08/tivi-online-kenh-vtv2_23.html

SAFFC play friendlies in Vietnam

S-League 2009 Champions SAFFC had 2 friendlies in southern Vietnam to prepare for the new season. It's nice to see Southeast Asian football clubs travel to other regional countries. Last month, some Vietnamese clubs also played friendlies in Thailand.

Jan 12: GDT Long An vs SAFFC: 2-0 (Kabanga Tshamala (2))
Jan 15: Navibank Saigon vs SAFFC: 2-0 (Martin Trindade(2))

In order to prepare for ACL 2010, SAFFC has just signed some good foreign players such as Croatian defender Ivan Lovric, ex-Sweden international Niklas Sandberg and Uruguayan striker Federico Martinez. Singapore top striker Aleksandar Duric left the club to join Tampines Rover while veteran player Therdsak Chaiman returned to Thailand to play for Chonburi.

SLNA sign Rajko Vidovic

After watching the Bosnian striker play in 2 friendlies, SLNA coaches were very impressed with his performance. Therefore, Nguyen Huu Thang, SLNA head coach has decided to offer him a 3-year contract despite the striker is now 35 years old.

SLNA also signed 2 recently naturalized players: Nguyen Hoang Helio (Helio - Brazil - former Binh Duong player) and Le Hoang Phat Thierry (Thierry Ngale - Cameroon - former Dong Nai player). Both are defenders.

HAGL wants USD 200,000 for Thonglao

After coming back to Vietnam, Thailand international Datsakorn Thonglao had a meeting with HAGL board to discuss about his future on Jan 11. He expressed his wish to leave the club to play football in his homeland. After the meeting, HAGL has basically agreed to let Thonglao go but they want an amount of transfer fee up to USD 200,000 for the Thai playmaker. Thonglao's contract is set to expire in 2012.

A member of HAGL board has revealed that Muang Thong United and Chonburi are interested in Thonglao.

Vietnam out, Hong Son out?

Away draw with Lebanon saw Vietnam lose its slight chance to qualify for Asian Cup 2011. Obviously Vietnam national team had only themselves to blame as poor finishing cost them at least 5 points in the last 3 games. I believe Vietnam need a sharper striker in front and it's time to recall Huynh Kesley. However it all depends on VFF not Calisto .

Goalkeeper Duong Hong Son, Vietnamese Golden Ball and AFF Cup 2008 MVP, is sure living under huge pressure now as his willingness to play for Vietnam national team is under suspicion. Duong Hong Son had somehow found a ridiculous reason to stay at home right before Vietnam traveled to Lebanon. Many believe that his explanation was a lie. Moreover, Hong Son always had personal reasons to be absent when Vietnam had to play away games in China and Syria. Fans are calling on Calisto to drop Hong Son from Vietnam national team forever.

Navibank Cup 2010

Navibank Cup 2010 is a pre-season friendly cup held in Ho Chi Minh City.

Group A: Navibank Sai Gon, Khatoco Khanh Hoa, Dong Thap, SQC Binh Dinh

Navibank Sai Gon vs Khatoco Khanh Hoa: 1-1
Dong Thap vs SQC Binh Dinh: 0-0

Group B: HAGL, Megastar Nam Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City FC, Chung Ang University (South Korea)

HAGL vs Megastar Nam Dinh: 4-0
Ho Chi Minh City FC vs Chung Ang University: 3-2

Watch Lebanon vs Vietnam Live

The match will be available on VTV2:
Time: January 6, 19h15 (GMT+7)

http://itv.xem24h.org/?p=80
http://tivitructuyen.net/vtv2.htm
vtc.com.vn (then select VTV2 from list)
http://www.hoangvi.com/tvonline.html (then select VTV2 from list)
http://www.tivi360.com/2009/08/tivi-online-kenh-vtv2_23.html

Robert Lim takes Ninh Binh hot seat

Singaporean man Robert Lim was appointed as The Vissai Ninh Binh's new head coach after the board decided to terminate Edson Tavares's contract. Before taking the new position, Robert Lim had spent 7 months working as Ninh Binh's director of youth team.

This appointment took many people by surprise as Ninh Binh was close to sign famous Vietnamese manager Le Thuy Hai. However, both sides were not be able to come an agreement so Ninh Binh board has decided to take Robert Lim instead.

Vietnam vs Asian teams

After looking at this on FIFA official site, I have found some interesting points about Vietnam results against some regional and continental opponents:

Vietnam vs Singapore: The last time Singapore defeated Vietnam was in the final of Tiger Cup in 1998. It means Vietnam has been unbeaten against Singapore for 12 years.

Vietnam vs Thailand: Thailand is the opponent that Vietnam has met the most (18 times) since 1973 and Vietnam could get only 3 wins.

Vietnam vs Indonesia: Vietnam never considers Indonesia its biggest threat in any competition but the truth is Vietnam has not beaten Indonesia since 1999.

Vietnam vs Malaysia: Vietnam has never played against Malaysia in Malaysia since 1991. 6 of their 8 games were held in Thailand and Indonesia.

Vietnam vs Myanmar: The first time (since 1991) Myanmar won against Vietnam was in 2008. Vietnam won the rest.

Vietnam vs Laos: The first game 2 teams met ended as a draw in 1996. Since then Vietnam has won all 7 games against Laos. Laos has not scored against Vietnam since 1998.

Vietnam vs Cambodia: Vietnam has won all 5 games against Cambodia since 1995, scoring averagely 6.2 goals per match, the highest rate.

Vietnam vs Philippines: The last time 2 teams met was in 2002.

Vietnam has never met Brunei as well as Timor Leste.

Vietnam vs China: Vietnam has lost all of their 4 games against China, scoring 2 goals and conceding 15 goals.

Vietnam vs Japan: The first time was in 1973 and the second time was in 2007.

Vietnam vs South Korea: One win for Vietnam in 2003. Vietnam has played against South Korea 6 times from 1996-2004. More than most other teams.

Vietnam vs Turkmenistan: 5 times. Vietnam's first win was in 2009. The rest are defeats.

Vietnam vs Sri Lanka: 3 games in 5 days in 2002.

Vietnam vs Iran: Vietnam has never met this Asian powerhouse.

Vietnam vs UAE: 3 games from July to October in 2007. One win and two defeats for Vietnam.