Football  

Vietnamese players in training on July 24. Việt Nam will play the Philippines in the semi-finals of the ASEAN U23 Football Championship on July 25. Photos of VFF

HÀ NỘI — Although he appreciated the Philippines' sharp counter-attack Kim Sang-sik  is confident Việt Nam can reach the final and defend their ASEAN U23  Football Championship title.

Speaking at the press conference prior to their semi-final, Kim said: “I am very happy that we have qualified for the semi-finals after two consecutive victories.

"It is the result of the tireless efforts of all players, staff and members of the team.

"We have also prepared carefully and will give our all to achieve the best result in the semi-final.”

Kim said the Philippines were strong with their counter-attacking style of play. Players were fast and had good technique. Among them forward Otu Banatao and midfield Javier Mariona were ones to watch.

Kim should have most of his best players available but defender Phạm Lý Đức suffered an ankle injury and is a doubt.

Attending the press conference with coach Kim Sang-sik, goalkeeper Nguyễn Trung Kiên said his team would be fully focused and determined to look forward to the  positive result.

Philippines coach Garrath McPherson pointed out his team had to play three matches, one more than Việt Nam, and only had one rest day prior to the semi-final.

Coach Garrath McPherson of the Philippines.

McPherson admitted that initially his side were not highly appreciated in this tournament. But they gradually showed their progress and he proud of their solidarity and great effort.

He praised players with good skills, tactical vision and impressive dribbling ability.  More importantly, his 23-member squad were ready to contribute their best against Việt Nam, a high-quality and well-organised team with many national players who were master of set pieces.

On July 24, Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Tạ Văn Thông and staff from the embassy visited the Vietnamese team ahead of the match.

Vice President of the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) Trần Anh Tú extended sincere thanks to Thông and the Vietnamese Embassy for their consistent support of national teams whenever they compete in Indonesia.

The team and its coaching staff have made the best preparations for the tournament, and they are determined to achieve the best possible result, Tú said.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Tạ Văn Thông and embassy staff visit and the U23s on July 24.

Thông congratulated the team on their impressive performance in the group stage, where they topped Group B. He expressed confidence that, with unity, focus and a strong desire to contribute, head coach Kim Sang-sik and his players would overcome U23 Philippines to secure a place in the final.

He also noted that although the Vietnamese community in Indonesia is not large, they hold deep affection for the U23 team and will continue to fill the stands to support and cheer the players on.

The semi-final between U23 Vietnam and U23 Philippines is set to kick off at 4pm on July 25 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. VNS