Outstanding in their field: The national football team trains hard in preparation for the upcoming Southeast Asia's premier football competition, the AFF Suzuki Cup. — Photo dangcongsan.vn

HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam have set their sights on reaching the final of Southeast Asia's premier football competition, the AFF Suzuki Cup, according to coach Phan Thanh Hung.

Chairman of the Viet Nam Football Federation Nguyen Trong Hy reiterated the task before the sending off ceremony in HCM City on Monday.

Hung said he was not feeling under any pressure, and added that Viet Nam had prepared well for the tournament in terms of skill, physical strength and psychology.

"Midfielder Phuoc Vinh has been ruled out of the tournament through injury, but it shouldn't affect the structure of the team. The team is ready for the event. I thank the fans for their support, and I hope we can live up to expectations," said Hung.

Viet Nam will compete in Group A alongside Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines, while Group B includes Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia and Singapore.

"Our regional rivals are getting better and better, but we know what we have to do," said Hung.

The team will encounter Myanmar in the Group A opener on Saturday at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium, while the Group B opener will see Indonesia challenge Laos a day later at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

"The match with Myanmar is very important. It will give us a mental boost if we win," said Hung.

Hung has already announced his 23-man squad that includes striker Le Cong Vinh, widely considered to be one of the best players in Southeast Asia.

"There is a positive feeling around the team, and we want to bring home the title. We've had to overcome some difficulties, but we're in good shape, and I hope to hit form for the tournament," said Vinh.

In preparation for the event, players have been on five training camps and played 10 friendlies, beating strong rivals including Malaysia and Indonesia.

They left for Thailand yesterday.

All of the matches will be broadcast live on Viet Nam Television.

Viet Nam took the Cup in 2008 but disappointed in their defence of the crown two years later. — VNS