Vietnam will be sending a strong squad to compete at the AFF Cup 2020. — Photo bacgiangtv.vn

“We are the defending champions, so our image and reputation need to be maintained. The fans love this tournament, and with the V.League 1 and V.League 2 schedule changes, it will allow Vietnam to send its best players,” said Tuan.

Changing the schedules and format for the V.League 1 and V.League 2 after the COVID-19 pandemic is a calculated decision to help the national team prepare for successfully defending the AFF Cup and reaching the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup.

The VFF said these were two important goals for Vietnamese football in 2020 and both must be considered equally important. South Korean coach Park Hang-seo and his team will be busy selecting their best squad for the tournament.

The Asian Football Federation is planning to play the remaining three matches of the second qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup in one place over two if COVID-19 is not under control.

Currently, Vietnam are top of Group G in World Cup qualification with 11 points after five matches.

The team will visit Malaysia in October and a win over the team in second will help coach Park‘s contingent reach the final stage of the Asian qualifiers.

The following matches will be against Indonesia at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi and the UAE away, both in November. VNS

Thailand's plan to send U23 team to AFF Cup offers opportunity to Vietnam

Thailand’s plan to send their U23 side to compete in the competition provide Vietnam a greater chance of winning the tournament due to one of their main rivals sending a weakened side, according to Sports442.