Despite the defeat, coach Park Hang–seo (right) is still confident in facing any regional opponent in the future. AFP/VNA Photo

HÀ NỘI — Despite an utterly disappointing result, Việt Nam coach Park Hang–seo says he accepts the team’s defeat, adding they did everything possible in the semi–finals.

Before the second leg, coach Park promised his team would do all they could to turn the tie around, saying that “Việt Nam will play a game with no regrets against Thailand.”

And that's certainly how the game started with the players showing desire and determination, creating a number of chances in the first half.

But the lack of accuracy in front of goal would prove to be pivotal as the game slipped away. 

“I accept this defeat as we did our very best,” Park said.

“We lost and now I don't know what to say. I haven’t thought about the future yet. As head coach, I don't know what to say at this moment.

“In the end, we failed as the team couldn’t reach the final. It's such a pity to lose, but these are also our best people.

“Although Việt Nam are no longer the champions, we still have confidence to play against any team in the region.”

Explaining about the decision of putting Nguyễn Tuấn Anh on the field in the 69th minute but replacing him just 13 minutes later, the 64–year–old said that it was simply due to tactic changes.

“It was just because I decided to make a tactical change, that’s all,” said the South Korean manager. 

“I wanted defender Nguyễn Thành Chung to play up front as another attacking player, so there was one player that needed to be replaced, that person can only be Tuấn Anh as there were no other ways.

“For those who think the two substituted players Lê Văn Xuân (replacing Hồ Tấn Tài) and Phạm Xuân Mạnh to have a tendency to defend, that's not true. Those two players have a higher attacking rate than expected."

Thailand will face Indonesia in the final, while Việt Nam will turn their focus to their final four World Cup qualifiers in early 2022. VNS