Futsal

Việt Nam's captain Phạm Đức Hòa in action during the match between Việt Nam and Thailand in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup on April 21 in Bangkok. Photos of VFF

HÀ NỘI -- Diego Giustozzi believes his players are doing a good job at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup, despite losing to arch-rival Thailand in the last group match on April 21 in Bangkok.

Muhammad Osamanmusa and Worasak Srirangpirot scored for the hosts while Từ Minh Quang narrowed for Việt Nam with a cheeky finish.

“I’m not pleased with the outcome of this match because we put in our utmost effort to secure a win, but it didn't materialise,” said Giustozzi. 

“I cannot ask for more from my players. They gave their all. I'm not satisfied with the result. We performed well in the first half, but in the second half, we gave our everything to secure a victory. However, we are happy to be in the quarter-finals.”

Asked why Việt Nam could not maintain their high performance after the equaliser, the coach suggested the mentality of the players was to blame and not physical strength. 

The Argentinean coach said his players need to have more good matches like the game against Thailand as the futsal played was top-quality.

Diego Giustozzi instructs his players during the match.

Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo was happy with his team’s winning mentality. 

“There were two phases of Thailand’s performance. We started well in the first half but our performance took a dip after the break before eventually scoring the winner at the end," he said.

“I’m satisfied with the performance. The players did very well in the end. But if we played in an empty stadium, I don’t think we would achieve this result. The atmosphere here was amazing and we have to thank the fans for that.”

In the quarter-finals on April 24, Thailand will meet Group B runners-up Iraq, who turned around a two-goal deficit to finish with a 6-2 win against Australia, while Việt Nam face Group B winners Uzbekistan, who defeated Saudi Arabia 3-1. VNS