Coach Park Hang-seo answers questions from the media at a pre-match brief in Singapore on December 11, 2021. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)   

NDO – The Vietnamese team will try their best against Malaysia in their second Group B match at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2022, no matter what style of play, head coach Park Hang-seo has affirmed.

Speaking at a pre-match brief in Singapore on December 11, one day ahead of Vietnam’s second match at the regional tournament, the Korean strategist stated that the most important thing is the outcome, meaning his team are heading for a win against Malaysia.

Vietnam had a winning start in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020, after the reigning champions finished off Laos 2-0 in their Group B opener on the night of December 6.

Currently, after the second match of Group B, Malaysia are still leading, after two consecutive victories against Cambodia (3-1) and Laos (4-0). Indonesia also collected three points and the same goal difference of +2 as Vietnam, but they temporarily occupy the second place in Group B as they scored more goals than Park’s players.

Regarding this situation, if Vietnam does not want to fall into a difficult position, the Golden Star Warriors need to win all three points in the direct confrontation with group leaders Malaysia tomorrow.

Park said: "We are actively preparing for the match against Malaysia. They are considered as one of the championship candidates and have six new players compared to the last match against our team in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. The Vietnamese team has not lost in the last five matches against Malaysia, but that is in the past. In the next match, they will play very differently. So, the whole team are determined and will work hard in every game."

When asked how the Vietnamese team will choose to play in the upcoming match against Malaysia, Park said that the most important thing are still the results.

“The coach of the Malaysian team said that he would play offensively, but in fact, you have to go to the match to know for sure. The Vietnamese team will focus on both defence and attack. The important thing is the result and the final victory."

Coach Park Hang-seo looks at his players during a training camp in Singapore on December 8, 2021. (Photo: Vietnam Football Federation)

Regarding the lack of players for the Malaysian team, due to COVID-19, they are asking the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) to allow them to call up other players, Park said, that this is not reasonable.

"From the very beginning, the organisers have a clear regulation and official letter on how a player with COVID-19 will be handled. The regulation also allows each team to bring 30 players. It is not reasonable for a team to ask for additional or substitute players after the tournament has started."

"Before going to Singapore, every team was informed and understood the situation to prepare carefully. Even the Vietnamese team asked to add midfielder Hung Dung before leaving, it was still not approved. So, I think asking to change players now, when the tournament has played two matches, is really unusual, beyond my normal understanding," said Park.

Also, at the press conference, Vietnam’s vice-captain, midfielder Luong Xuan Truong said: "The next match will be a difficult one for Vietnam. The Malaysian team are very tough, with many strengths, including three experienced strikers with good techniques and they know how to endanger their opponents. They played very well, winning both matches, scoring seven goals, but we were well prepared to stop them. We will focus on good defence and attack quickly to create opportunities and score goals.”

“I cannot reveal what tactics the Vietnamese team will play with. But the team's forte is counter-attack, and this could be our way to beat Malaysia. We've had good results in recent matches against them. Hopefully tomorrow's match will be the same. This match is a good test for us on the way to defend the championship title," Truong ended the interview.