>>> Vietnam captain Nhu shows great confidence ahead of Australia clash
Speaking at a press conference in Newcastle on March 5 ahead of Vietnam’s away meeting with Australia in the first leg of the 2020 AFC Women’s Olympic qualifying play-off, Chung expressed his high appreciation for the host team, who currently rank seventh in the FIFA rankings.
“Australia are a strong team and once competed in the World Cup, so the opportunity to face them is a very valuable one for us. I speak highly of the hosts as they have good fitness and physical integrity, as well as better expertise than our side. We come here with a spirit of learning but will still fight our hardest,” he told reporters.
“Our lineup has been rejuvenated with the addition of some U19 players. We aim to train young athletes and familiarise them with the environment in the A team, in preparation for future goals. Some of our players have minor injuries but can still play,” the 69-year-old tactician said regarding the situation of the Vietnamese squad.
Answering a question on the absence of Chuong Thi Kieu, Chung said: “We have prepared replacement measures for centre back Chuong Thi Kieu, who is undergoing treatment, and these were being implemented since the group stage in the Republic of Korea.”
Touching on Vietnam’s specific goals in tomorrow’s match, he frankly and modestly stated that his side will head into the game with a spirit of learning, wishing to avoid yellow cards, preserve energy and limit goals conceded, as the Vietnamese team are in the process of rejuvenation with a long-term purpose.
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Australia coach Mante Malicic speaks at the press conference. (Photo: VOV)
Addressing the press briefing, Australia coach Mante Malicic gave words of praise to their Vietnamese opponents.
“We watched Vietnam’s recent match against the Republic of Korea, during which the Vietnamese players had good skills and deployed fast counterattacks. Therefore, I believe that tomorrow’s game between Vietnam and Australia will be very interesting,” he said.
As planned, this afternoon the Vietnamese team will conduct a one-hour training session to familiarise themselves with the McDonald Jones Stadium, the official venue of their Friday clash with hosts Australia.
