India vs Vietnam: A Crucial Test for the Blue Tigers in the Marquez Era | Match Preview, Predicted Line-up, Key Factors

India vs Vietnam: A crucial international friendly in Nam Dinh as both teams seek redemption in the final stretch of 2024. Can India break their winless run? 

Just a few days before playing Vietnam on October 12, 2024, this international friendly will be a stern test for both sides. For India, who have just appointed Manolo Marquez to lead their troops, this is the final opportunity to win out and begin constructing momentum for the side after a tough start under their Spanish gaffer.

The Blue Tigers would look to seal their maiden victory under Marquez, and Saturday's match in Nam Dinh, Vietnam, might be the defining moment for the team. And now it's Vietnam's turn to seize the opportunity against India, who haven't really gained much confidence since the appointment of a new coach, while Vietnam wants to salvage a miserable year.

Where and When: Match Details

• Match: Vietnam vs India, International Friendly
• Date: October 12, 2024 (Saturday)
• Kick-off: 4:30 PM IST
• Venue: Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh, Vietnam

The Stakes: Vietnam vs India

Both teams enter this match with something to prove, having struggled in 2024.

Vietnam’s Perspective:

Vietnam has had a tough time this year, dropping nine of their eleven games, one of them being against local club Thép Xanh Nam Định, however. A friendly against India may just be the type of game the Golden Star Warriors need to shake off some of the rust and get something to entertain their ardent home faithful. Vietnam will play on the front foot, looking to use their high-pressing and speed to harass the visitors.

A victory would not only be a triumph but also earn Vietnam upward movement in the FIFA World Rankings rankings, a stern goal on the minds of the Southeast Asian side. But defeat at the hands of unimpressive Indian might be too much, and the side has found it difficult so far in 2024.

India’s Challenge:

The friendly is more than just a welcome mat for India, though. This team lost their only match of the year and has yet to adjust to Marquez's tactics. Vietnam presents a good opportunity for the side to gain confidence going into qualifying, while a defeat will increase the question marks surrounding the future of the national team under Marquez.

Improvement in finishing in the final third and coherence in defense will help the Blue Tigers win at Thien Truong Stadium, which is expected to be a charged atmosphere. A win will keep the team's spirit high while giving hope to fans in moving forward into a new Indian football era.

Key Things to Watch

Attacking Third: 

Both teams have lacked the finishing touch. Its forwards, led by the dynamic Vikram Partap Singh and Liston Colaco, will need to up the ante on finishing if India is to trouble Vietnam's back line.

Defensive Resilience: 

Indian back line has been woefully erratic of late. They would do well to make it a stern test against this well-prepared Vietnamese unit with a resolute showing behind Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal.

Home Crowd Pressure: 

Although with passionate Vietnamese fans jam-packed at the Thien Truong Stadium, the home team might just get a boost going into the first half and rise to take charge early in the match. India would have to compose themselves and not let the hostile atmosphere get too overwhelming for them.

Head-to-Head Record: India vs Vietnam

Historically, Vietnam holds the upper hand in matches against India, having won two out of three encounters between the two sides. India won the other match, and all three contests have ended without a draw.

• Matches Played: 3
• Vietnam Wins: 2
• India Wins: 1
• Draws: 0

This adds extra intrigue to the fixture, as India will be eager to level the score.

Probable Lineups:

Both teams are expected to field strong squads with the hope of gaining valuable momentum.

Vietnam (3-4-3):

• Goalkeeper: Filip Nguyen
• Defenders: Que Ngoc Hai, Nguyễn Thành Chung, Thanh Bình Nguyễn
• Midfielders: Phạm Xuân Mạnh, Đỗ Hùng Dũng, Nguyễn Quang Hải, Nguyễn Phong Hồng Duy
• Forwards: Bùi Vĩ Hào, Phan Van Duc, Nguyễn Tiến Linh

India (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
• Defenders: Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Naorem Roshan Singh
• Midfielders: Suresh Singh, Apuia, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco
• Forward: Vikram Partap Singh

Prediction:

A tight contest is on the cards but Vietnam will feel privileged to play in front of their crowd and their recent performance has been slightly better than India.India, getting accustomed to Marquez's rhythm, face a side eager to endear themselves to fans by winning but a spirited Blue Tigers might be able to snatch a result they sorely need.

Broadcast and Streaming Information

• The match will not be available on TV in India.
• India: Fans can watch the live stream on FanCode app and website.
• Outside India: The game may be streamed on YouTube’s VFF Channel, depending on the availability in your region.