Six Vietnamese futsal players will train with top-flight Spanish clubs in preparation for coming international tournaments.

Ho Van Y, ranked in the world’s top 10 futsal goalkeepers, will train with Spanish club Peniscola for a month. (Photo: laodong.vn)

Vietnam’s first target this year is the Southeast Asian Championship in October, which is also a qualification tournament for the Asian Championship in early 2020.

But their big goal will be the 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup, where they will attempt to improve on their last-16 berth from three years ago. 

Coach Miguel Rodrigo called in 25 players to begin a 10-day training course in HCM City on February 11. Afterwards, they will depart for the second course in Spain where they will have three friendly matches against local clubs.

The Spanish manager said the matches would offer a good chance for players to sharpen their skills with teams who were competing at the highest level. He said it was time to kick off preparation despite still having a year to go until the World Cup.

He added that he was confident in his current players, who have experience in a number of international events in the region and the continent.

After the training course, players Ton That Phi, Dang Anh Tai, Chau Doan Phat, Ho Van Y, Nhan Gia Hung and Chu Van Tien will remain in Spain to practise with three different clubs for about one month. They are the first Vietnamese players to receive such a promising opportunity. Spain are a powerhouse in futsal, ranked second in the world.-VNS