>> Vietnam to face Malaysia and Indonesia in AFF Suzuki Cup 2020
The draw for the tournament was held virtually in Singapore on September 21, with 2018 champions Vietnam joining Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos in Group B.
Talking about this result, Park stated: “In general, the teams in ASEAN are of the same level. Therefore, the result for me is normal.”
Evaluating the group opponents and challenges posed by them to Vietnam’s title defence campaign, the Republic of Korea tactician admitted that all four other teams are tough rivals, and Vietnam will have to work hard in each game.
In addition to the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020, Vietnam still have to play in World Cup 2022 Asian Qualifiers, which requires the team to have a detailed plan to ensure adequate power for both fronts. According to Park, each competition has advantages and disadvantages for the Vietnam team.
After being rescheduled twice, the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 is expected to take place from December 5, 2021 to January 1, 2022. Brunei and Timor Leste, the two lowest AFF ranked teams, will clash in the qualification playoff on December 1, 2021, for the tenth spot in the finals.
The group stage will see 10 participating teams play in a round robin format, with the top two teams from each group to qualify for the semifinals.
The semifinals will be played on a home-and-away basis, with the first leg scheduled for December 22-23, 2021, and the return leg slated for December 25-26.
The two winners of the semifinals will battle it out in a two-legged final to determine the overall champions – with the first leg on December 29, 2021, and the second leg on January 1, 2022.
Vietnam are currently the reigning champions of the AFF Suzuki Cup after Park’s side edged out Malaysia 3-2 on aggregate in the title decider three years ago.
