Vietnamese national team goalkeeper Lev Dang offered his reflections on how his compatriots reacted to Valery Karpin’s remarks, the Russia head coach, who stated he did not want to face Vietnam. Dang spoke with Sports Express to highlight the emotional toll of those words and the broader football landscape in Vietnam, where national pride and the sport’s growth intersect. — Sports Express
Dang emphasized that while coaches and squads must manage demanding schedules, travel, and the realities of preparing for friendlies, the Russian comment struck a nerve with Vietnamese supporters. He acknowledged the professional side of international football but stressed that an encounter with Russia carries significance beyond the scoreline, touching fans, young players, and the long arc of Vietnamese football development. The visit, he noted, is a meaningful moment for Vietnam both on and off the pitch. — Sports Express
From his vantage point, the Russian delegation’s arrival marks a rare milestone on Vietnam’s football calendar. Dang conveyed confidence that the visiting players would sense the warmth of Vietnamese fans and design memories from their stay that might entice a return, whether for holidays or for deeper engagement with local communities. The hope remains that the upcoming match experience could help foster lasting ties between Vietnamese supporters and the Russian team, even as competitive objectives remain central. — Sports Express
In discussing the matchups with Vietnam and Thailand, Karpin suggested that there were tougher options available, which sparked a broader conversation about how schedules are arranged and what national teams prioritize. He pointed to a natural preference among Russian football officials to test themselves against strong opponents and to schedule games in Russia when feasible, underscoring the strategic calculus behind international friendlies and the balance between competition and visibility. The dialogue around these decisions continues to shape how fans perceive friendly fixtures and regional rivalries. — Sports Express
The forthcoming fixtures see Russia facing Vietnam on May 5 and Thailand two days later, with both games set to take place at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi. The matches are framed as a chance for Vietnam to measure itself against a higher-caliber opponent and for local fans to experience high-level international football on home soil. The series also serves as a platform for Vietnamese players to showcase their progress and for the country to gauge the depth and resilience of its national program. — Sports Express
Valery Karpin, aged 55, brings a varied and enduring career to the Russia national team’s leadership role. A former midfielder, he assumed the head coach position in 2021 and later steered Rostov in 2022. He is sometimes associated with a memorable moment, credited with scoring the first goal in the post-Soviet era for the Russian national side, a reflection of his long-standing involvement with football at multiple levels. — Sports Express
There has been discussion about Karpin’s ties to Dynamo and other clubs, with some noting his background as a former Russian-born keeper who contributed to the development of football in the region. The conversations around his leadership and the upcoming matches are part of a broader pattern in international football where coaching experiences and national pride intersect, shaping how fans perceive friendly fixtures and the evolving dynamics of global football culture. — Sports Express