New coach Bruno Garcia has made a rallying call to the home fans to get behind tournament hosts Vietnam ahead of Wednesday’s AFC Futsal Championship opener against Iraq.

Spanish-born Garcia has only been in charge of the national team for two months, but is looking to build on last year’s third place finish at the AFF Futsal Championship.

Vietnam will also face Kuwait and Tajikistan, who open proceedings at Phu Tho Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, in Group A.

“The national team needs the support of our fans. I don’t think there is pressure on us being the hosts; the players enjoy playing for the fans,” said Garcia, who will be without Dang Phuoc Anh due to suspension.

“I have only had a short time to prepare this team for the tournament, but I am happy with the squad at this time.

“We have a strong group, but as the hosts we are ready to start the tournament.

“Our target is to win the first game and then after that we can think about the second game.”

Opponents Iraq have enjoyed mixed preparations for the tournament with Haitham Abbas’ side failing to win in two games against Lebanon after losing once and being held to a draw in the other before travelling to Malaysia and winning twice.

“This game is a very important game for us because if we win we are already halfway to getting through the group,” said Abbas, who will be without Amjad Kareem due to suspension.

“We must play very hard because we know Vietnam are very good.”

Kuwait, meanwhile, face Tajikistan with coach Luis Fonseca happy to have avoided defending champions Japan, 10-time winners Iran and 2012 runners-up Thailand in the group stage.

“We’ve had an intense preparation in Spain,” he said.

“We know that the three favourites in this tournament are not in our group, but it is still an intense group, especially as it includes the host nation Vietnam.”

Tajikistan, who secured a place at the tournament as runner-up to Uzbekistan in the South & Central Zone qualifiers, will be hoping to improve on finishing third in their group at the previous edition in the United Arab Emirates two years ago.

“I know the power of our opponents, but the main target is to qualify from the group,” said assistant coach Husein Shodiev.

“I think our opening game against Kuwait will be difficult, but I am hoping it will be a good match.”

According to AFC