SEA Games

HÀ NỘI — Philippe Troussier could not wait for his first official match in charge of Việt Nam's U22 football team at the 32nd Southeast Asian (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 the head coaches of Việt Nam, Thailand, Singapore and Laos. Coach Elangowan Elavarasan of Malaysia did not take part as his team have not arrived in Cambodia yet. Malaysia will not play 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 the incredible performance at the recent U20 Asian Championship.

Troussier and his players will have the last practice session on April 29 for their first match. He was pleased about his squad's technique, spirit and tactics.

"Our coaching board has tried our best to prepare everything for players so that they would overcome all difficulties in matches," Troussier said.

Speaking about Việt Nam's rivals, the 2002 World Cup participant said the FIFA rankings were on paper. In football, the quality of a team must be showed 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, I have many more losses than wins 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 is ready for the Games.

The team had an intensive training course in Saudi Arabia prior to the Games and will have three overseas Lao 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 compare Vietnamese and Lao football. But last year we made 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 in April 30 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 his team were already prepared for the Games which was an important event for the island city.

He said it was an opportunity for his young players to show their talents and gain experience.

Group B was definitely not easy but Singapore would find their chances and play their best to vie for high finish. VNS