SEA Games
Vietnamese players practise in Phnom Penh for their first match against Laos in the 32nd SEA Games. VNA/VNS Photo
HÀ NỘI — Philippe Troussier could not wait to compete in his first official match in charge of Việt Nam U22 team at the 32nd SEA Games.
The defending champions will play Laos in the first match on April 30 at the Prince Stadium in Phnom Penh.
"Việt Nam are ready to show what they have prepared in the last two months. My players and I can't wait to perform in the opening match," said Troussier at a press conference on April 29.
The press conference gathered head coaches of Việt Nam, Thailand, Singapore and Laos. Coach ElangowanElavarasan of Malaysia did not take part in as his team have not arrived in Cambodia yet. Malaysia are off in the first round of the group.
"There are nine in my 20 players are U20s, making it the youngest team of Việt Nam in the country's 20 years at the regional sport meet. All of them are quality and I appreciate their multi-purpose abilities," Troussier said.
The Vietnamese side gathers many players, such as Nguyễn Quốc Việt, Nguyễn Văn Trường and Khuất Văn Khang who have made up incredible performance at the recent U20 Asian Championship.
Troussier and his players will have last practise on April 29 for their first match. He was pleased about his squad's technique, spirit and tactics.
"Our coaching board has tried out best to prepare everything for players so that they would overcome all difficulties in matches," Troussier said.
Coaches of Group B (from left to right) Michael Weiss of Laos, Philippe Troussier of Việt Nam, Issara Sritaro and Philippe Aw of Singapore at the press briefing on April 29 in Phnom Penh.
Speaking about Việt Nam's rivals, the 2002 World Cup participant said teams' FIFA ranking was on paper. In football, the quality of the team must be expressed on the field.
"In my opinion, all teams in SEA Games are strong because they have had time to prepare well. We all target the championship trophy and Việt Nam have our own plan," said the French tactician.
"In my career, my loses are much more than the winning ones but it is easy in football. The 32nd SEA Games is a good chance for all teams to develop strongly."
Coach Michael Weiss of Laos also confirmed his team ready for the Games.
The team had an intensive training course in Saudi Arabia prior to the Games and will have three Lao oversea players to compete in this tournament.
"Many of my players competed in the 31st SEA Games. Being in a tough group with strong rivals we will meet with challenges but will try every single match for positive result," German Weiss said.
"It is difficult to compared Vietnamese and Lao football. But in the last year, we have grabbed remarkable progress in Southeast Asia. We have discussed plans to face Việt Nam and hope that my players can do something against them."
The first match of the group will be between Thailand and Singapore on April 29 afternoon.
Coach Issara Sritaro of Thailand was confident with his team's preparation at the press conference.
"We will enjoy our time in Cambodia. We are confident and believe that we can compete well in this tournament. The first target is to qualify for the next round," Sritaro said.
"The weather is pretty hot and the facility conditions affect our players. However, all teams have to suffer it and must find ways to adapt."
Coach Philippe Aw of Singapore said all team already prepared for the Games which was a important event for Singapore.
He said it was an opportunity for his young players to show their talents and collect experience.
Group B was definitely not easy but Singapore would find their chances and play their best to vie for high finish. VNS
OVietnam