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| U22 players seen in training in HCM City preparing for the regional championships. — foxsports.com.vn |
Viet Nam News
HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam are aiming to win the ASEAN U22 Youth Football Championship for the first time this month in Cambodia.
Speaking with reporters in HCM City on Tuesday, head coach Nguyễn Quốc Tuấn said his team would be in the final.
"Local leagues started this month, so many of my best players are unavailable. But Việt Nam have acieved success in recent years and that will be our incentive. The coaching board and I have set a target of reaching the final," he said.
His team have spent about a month working together preparing for the tournament. They drew with South Korean Ulsan Hyundai FC 0-0 last month before tied 1-1 against Sài Gòn FC on Tuesday.
Tuấn was pleased that his players could maintain their performance and competitive spirit throughout the matches. They also had the chance to play on astroturf which is similiar to the stadiums in Cambodia.
Việt Nam are in Group A with Thailand, Timor Leste and the Philippines. Group B includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Cambodia.
"Thailand and the Philippines will be our main rivals. We want a strong start against the Philippines first and then we will adjust our line-up for Thailand (Februay 21)," said Tuấn, adding that the presence of national team head coach Park Hang-seo would be a boost for his young squad.
"It is the first time that a championship has been organised for the U22s. It will be a chance for the players to sharpen their skills as they are core of the Việt Nam team for the Southeast Asian Games in 2019 and 2021," said Việt Nam Football Federation General Secretary Lê Hoài Anh.
All 16 matches from February 17-26 will be aired on VTV5 and VTV6. — VNS
