HÀ NỘI — Coaches of both Việt Nam and Malaysia understand each other and want to win their ASEAN Football Federation Championship match Friday night at Hà Nội’s Mỹ Đình Stadium.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Tang Cheng Hoe of Malaysia said he would be pleased with a draw but would not refuse a win for his team, who sit atop Group A with six points from two matches.

"Park Hang-seo is a well known coach in Việt Nam,” Hoe said through an interpreter. “The coach has respect from both players and supporters. Việt Nam this year are a strong contender. In the coming match, they will be at an advantage one their home turf. On our side, we are leading the group so we feel confident.”

"Malaysia will play and defend as a unit,” he said. “We will pay attention to some outstanding players, especially captain Nguyễn Văn Quyết.  The match will be tough. We would be happy to take one point here but if we have the change I want my players to score and win.”

Also speaking at the conference, striker Safawi Rasid said: "We will keep eyes on the talented Vietnamese players in this match. We are not here to draw. We will do our best to score."

On the host side, coach Park believed that no coach wanted just a draw.

"It is just a way of speaking in a press briefing,” said Park in response to Hoe’s statement. “We always want to win."

"We have met each other six times, with two wins, two draws and two losses, so it is hard to predict the result of the coming match,” Park said. “I do not hope too much but we have had seven days rest ahead of this match. My players are perfect in both mental and physical terms. I think they will play well tomorrow."

The South Korean trainer said Việt Nam’s team understood Malaysia well and was looking for their second group round win, although their weak points of passing from the wings and free kicks must still be improved.

“We respect all teams,” said the captain, Quyết. “We play our best on home ground where we are supported by about 90 million supporters. We play with great determination and admiration for a win."

Malaysia are on top of Group A after beating Laos and Cambodia. Việt Nam are second after taking a win against Laos.

The match will be aired on VTV6 from 7:30pm. Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), one of the South Korea’s largest TV channels, will also broadcast live so Park’s admirers and Vietnamese fans in Korea can encourage their beloved team. — VNS