Lê Quốc Nhật Nam of Việt Nam celebrates his goal in Việt Nam's 1-1 draw against Thailand in the 32nd SEA Games' group round on May 11. Việt Nam will play Indonesia in the semi-final on May 13. VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — Vietnam's men's football players must be confident to overcome a strong Indonesia with skillful tactics in the semi-finals of the 32nd SEA Games on May 13.

In a press briefing on May 12, Việt Nam's head coach Philippe Troussier said every game was different. The pressure was higher for teams match by match. Confidence was a necessary factor for players who do not have enough experience intense matches.

"In the past two months, I have tried to give them confidence. It is through practice and talking to them. The more they are knowledgable with our tactics, the more confident will feel while competing," said Troussier. "I hope they can bring it into play like they did in the draw with Thailand. In that match, I sent substitutes to the field. I hope that they show ability and believe in themselves in real games.

"In the semi-finals, there is no weak team. Four teams share an ambition of winning, causing tough matches. In sport, there is only one champion. The result will depend on technique, tactics and spirit. Tomorrow's rival is strong with strategic tactics so my players must make maximum effort for the best result," he said.

He added that Việt Nam's first target of reaching the semi-finals was done. The team won two golds in the previous Games. It was time for the final target, defending the gold. 

"We will have a high-quality and competitive semi-final match. It is also good for ASEAN football development," the Frenchman said.

Coaches Philippe Troussier of Việt Nam (second, right) and Indra Sjafri of Indonesia take part in the semi-finals press conference on May 12 in Phnom Penh.

Goalkeeper Quan Văn Chuẩn also took part in the briefing and confirmed that all the best players of Việt Nam are well prepared for the match. Việt Nam are ready for the semis.

On the Indonesian side, coach Indra Sjafri believed that his team could win the match despite playing the defending champions.

"I played against Việt Nam and Thailand at the 2019 SEA Games. I think that Indonesia's win depends on our preparation," he said. "We watched Việt Nam's matches. They have a new coach and new tactics. I can't share our tactics but can confirm that we have prepared well. We have advanced to the semis and still have the best players in the team. We will work hard for tomorrow's match."

Sjafri said Indonesia and Việt Nam were in the same group at the 2023 Asian Cup after a draw on May 11. The SEA Games will help his players warm up for the Cup next January in Qatar. VNS