Mai Duc Chung: “We are ready for the final”

Head coach Mai Duc Chung affirmed that the entire Vietnamese squad will fight for national pride to defend their SEA Games title, during a press conference on December 7 ahead of their women’s football final clash against Thailand.

Vietnam head coach Mai Duc Chung (R) shakes hands with the Thailand coach at the press conference ahead of their SEA Games fiinal. (Photo: VFF)
Vietnam head coach Mai Duc Chung (R) shakes hands with the Thailand coach at the press conference ahead of their SEA Games fiinal. (Photo: VFF)

Commenting on the opponents, Chung said: “We met Thailand at the AFF Championship three months ago. They are good professionals with a strong playstyle. Thailand previously attended the World Cup, so I highly appreciate our opponents in the SEA Games final.”

Answering a query on Vietnam’s preparations for the title match, the 68-year-old tactician said: “Vietnam and Thailand have met a number of times recently, so the two teams clearly understand each other’s players and playstyle. We are well-prepared for the final. Despite Thailand being higher rated, Vietnamese players are now ready.”

“Vietnamese players had three days off after the semis, which has allowed them to return to full fitness. We have prepared all aspects for the clash against Thailand, including penalty kicks,” Chung affirmed.

He stated that Vietnamese players are now in a comfortable and excited mood ahead of the title decider.

The 2019 SEA Games women’s football final between Vietnam and Thailand will take place at the Rizal Memorial Stadium at 7pm on December 8.

Vietnamese players are in a comfortable mood during their training session at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on December 6. (Photo: VFF)