* Vietnam retain Group G’s top spot after goalless draw against Thailand
“As the coach, I am surely not content with a draw. I always prepare to win a game. Today, we prevented our opponents from securing the full three points. It was a success. Another positive thing is that from now on, Thailand will no longer beat Vietnam easily,” Park told reporters after his side were held to another goalless draw at home by the War Elephants.
When asked about the experience drawn from the Thailand encounter, the Republic of Korea tactician said: “Football is a sport that always has absurdity. There are no matches in which we are perfect. What we can do is to practice more to minimise errors.”
“It will not be until March 2020 that Vietnam play their next match. I still have time to make adjustments. I have yet to come up with any ideas right now, but certainly have some adjustments in the coming time,” he stated.
Ahead of the Tuesday game, Vietnam’s veteran forward Nguyen Anh Duc announced he would retire from the national team. Touching on Anh Duc’s decision, Park emphasised the influence of the 34-year-old player in the Vietnamese squad.
“Anh Duc has played many good matches for the national team so far this year. In the middle of the last season, he suffered an injury that took a long time for treatment. A few days ago, Anh Duc told me his retirement plan and I prevented him. However, he said he would like to bid farewell to give room to young players. Actually, today was Anh Duc’s last match, so I wanted to give him more time on the field.”
 |
Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lam plays a brilliant match against Thailand on Tuesday, blocking a penalty and making a bunch of smart saves.
Speaking at the press conference, Thailand coach Akira Nishino admitted Vietnam’s bright outlook of advancing to the final round of the World Cup qualification.
“I think Vietnam have seized a great chance to progress further in Group G. Thailand’s chance has become smaller after this draw, but we still have three games in hand, and the opportunity still remains. We will do our utmost in the next matches,” he said.
“Thailand will try to get the maximum points in the remaining three games. I think it is a feasible goal, because we still have a lot of time to prepare, in terms of the players’ form and tactics,” the Japanese tactician stated.
With the draw against Thailand, Park Hang-seo’s Vietnamese side continue to maintain their unbeaten run in the World Cup Asian qualifiers round two, while defending their grip on the top of Group G with two points clear.
In recognition of the brilliant fighting spirit and efforts of the national squad against archrivals Thailand, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) decided to grant a bonus of VND800 million to the team.
