VietNamNet Bridge – The national football squad will play friendlies against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Pakistan in September in preparation for tough clashes at the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Football Tournament (Suzuki Cup 2014).

They are scheduled to take on the DPRK on September 3 and Pakistan three days later at Hang Day stadium in Hanoi, according the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).

This is Vietnam’s second friendly with the DPRK since their first goalless match ten years ago.

In September 2010, the DPRK were also held to a 0-0 draw against Vietnam in Hanoi capital an international football tourney celebrating the capital’s 1,000th anniversary.

Chief coach Toshiya Miura plans to call up 26 players for the national line up to play in the coming friendlies, considered warm-up exercises prior to the AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 which will kick off this November.

The DPRK have seven foreign players, including striker Jong Tae Se (Suwon Samsung Bluwings- the Republic of Korea), defender Kim Song Gi (Vissel Kobe- Japan), Cha Jong Hyok (Wil 1900- Switzerland), striker Park Nam Chol (Sisaket FC- Thailand), An Yong Hak (Yokohama- Japan), Choe Kum Chol (Nakhon Nayok- Thailand), and Park Kwang Ryong (FC Vaduz- Liechtenstein).

VFF leaders have said the national line-up for the AFF Cup will be unveiled as soon as the 2014 Asian Games (ASIAD 17) scheduled from Sep 18 to Oct 4 in Incheon, the Republic of Korea, ends.

VOV/VNN