No difference between meeting Thailand or another team in the semifinal, says Park Hang-seo

Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo said he was satisfied with his side’s 4-0 win over Cambodia in the last group match of AFF Suzuki Cup 2020, stating that it will be the same to face Thailand as it would be to face another team when advancing to the semifinal round.

Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo. (Photo: VFF)
Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo. (Photo: VFF)

>> Vietnam cruise past Cambodia 4-0 to reach AFF Cup last four

There was no surprise as defending champions Vietnam produced a lopsided match against minnows Cambodia at Bishan Stadium on December 19 night, with the Golden Star Warriors playing the dominant attackers throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Forward Nguyen Tien Linh was among Vietnam’s star performers with a first-half double, alongside midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai - who was named the Man of the Match with a goal and an assist.

Defender Bui Tien Dung scored the remaining goal as Vietnam secured passage through to the last four as the Group B runners-up and set up a showdown with Group A winners Thailand.

Speaking at the press conference after the match, Coach Park Hang-seo was satisfied with the 4-0 victory over Cambodia. He also said that when he reached the semi-finals, the opponent was Thailand or any other team.

“Our players gave their best and won 4-0, but it was still not enough to help us top the group when Indonesia thrashed Malaysia 4-1 to advance as the group winners. Nonetheless, I am still quite satisfied with the result of this victory,” Park told reporters after the Cambodia match.

Vietnam midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai. (Photo: VFF)

Talking about the last-four showdown with Thailand, the coach said: “We will cruise into the semifinals as Group B runners-up and face Thailand, who won Group A. However, any team is the same in this stage. Thailand are a strong team, and the encounter will prove to be extremely fierce and exciting.”

Park also touched on a number of disadvantages for the Vietnamese side such as having one day off fewer than Thailand and the issue of nutrition.

“There are three days away from the semifinal first leg, and we will work to improve the efficiency of attack and defence to prepare for the match,” he stated.

For his part, midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai, who was voted the Man of the Match, said that he and teammates did their best against Cambodia.

It really doesn’t matter if the team meets Thailand or Singapore in the semifinal as Vietnam will try to overcome all, he stated.

The last-four first leg between Vietnam and Thailand is set to take place at Singapore National Stadium on December 23, while Indonesia will play hosts Singapore the day prior.