Football

HÀ NỘI — Coach Park Hang-seo of Việt Nam’s U23 team confirmed that a friendly match against South Korean Ulsan Hyundai FC was an important test for his team ahead of the Asian championships next month.

The match will be held at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium today in Hà Nội.

“Ulsan Hyundai are a strong team in South Korea. They were champions in the national cup and came fourth in the K.League. They play a typical South Korean football style,” Park said through an interpreter at a press briefing yesterday.

“At the coming Asian competition we will play in the same group as South Korea. So tomorrow’s match will help my players understand part of their style which will be good for them at the continental tournament,” he said.

The South Korean coach admitted that there were problems in his team in both the front line and defence.

“At the M-150 Cup (last week) in Thailand we saw problems not only in defence but also attack, even though we grabbed third place. We are working hard to fix that.

“My players have shown better performances. They understand clearly, play in a dynamic fashion and strictly follow my tactics during practice,” he said.

“We hope to achieve a miracle at the Asian event.”

From the visiting side, coach Kim Do-hoon of Ulsan Hyundai FC, said he was pleased to have the chance to face another Korean in Việt Nam.

He knew Việt Nam’s U23s were a strong team in Southeast Asia.  Previously Kim and the South Korean Stars Team played Việt Nam’s U22 team in July. Several of the U22 players, such as striker Nguyễn Công Phượng and midfielder Lương Xuân Trường, will be present in today’s match.

Captain Trường was under Kim’s reign when he played for the first time in South Korea for Incheon United last year.

Kim appreciated Trường’s abilities, saying he was talented and hard working, and Kim was willing to have him again in his team.

Kim predicted that his team may not beat Việt Nam but manage a draw.

Ulsan Hyundai’s captain Kang Min-soo also competed in July’s match.

He said he and his teammates did their best in that match which saw the hosts win 1-0 and would keep that spirit at the coming friendly.

The match will be kick off at 7pm and will be aired live on VTV6 channel. — VNS