VietNamNet Bridge - Defending champions Viet Nam are upbeat and ready for action as the second International U-21 Football Tournament kicks off Saturday in the ancient city of Hue city.

U21 Vietnam in the first match against Malaysia.

The young players have been put through their paces in the run up to the competition, which is also known at the Thanh Nien Newspaper Cup.

Coach Luu Quoc Tan expressed his satisfaction with his players’ fitness levels and abilities, and said this was the best squad the country has ever had.

Viet Nam, the defending champions, are in the same group as Thailand and Myanmar. Tan said Viet Nam were lucky not to have been drawn in the same group as Iran, the tournament favourites.

Deputy skipper Duc Thien said his ankle injury was healing well. He took part in training sessions and is expected to be fit to play.

Meanwhile, midfielder Kien Trung is nursing a minor knee injury and goalkeeper Nguyen Thanh Nam is suffering back problems. However, the team doctor said they were fit to play.

Skipper Van Khai said: “I feel very honoured to play for the national U21 team at an international tournament with five foreign teams participating. “My teammates are all waiting eagerly for the kickoff to show off our skills. This is an opportunity to vie for the pride of the nation.

“We are all happy to be here to fight side by side for our country. We will surely play as many exciting matches as we can.”

Trong Hoang, who was a member of the Vietnamese team that won the title in the first tournament last year, said: “We must try harder this year as Iran’s young players will be there – they are one of Asia’s best young teams.

“Young players from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar are also strong and have a desire to take home the title this year. The Vietnamese players are going to have a hard time.

“However, we have a bit of an advantage over the other competitors because we are playing at home. We will seize the advantage to win. I believe we will have strong support from Vietnamese fans, especially fans in Hue City,” Hoang said confidently.

(Source: VNS)