Park Hang-seo confident ahead of Vietnam vs Malaysia clash at AFF Cup 2022
VOV.VN - Park Hang-seo said on December 26 he continues to have confidence in Vietnam’s style of play which has developed over several years, ahead of their clash against Malaysia.
Speaking at a press conference in Hanoi on December 26, Park stated the tactics he uses are the most appropriate for the current team of players.
He also gave some information about the national team’s players, with defender Bui Tien Dung having recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Although he was absent from Vietnam’s first match against Laos, he could play the second game against Malaysia.
Quang Hai may be the only player to miss out against Malaysia due to injury.
Park highly appreciated the Malaysian team’s preparations at the tournament as they have brought their best line-up.
Talking about Malaysia’s 3-4-formation which is similar to Vietnam’s, Park noted their tactics aim to best use their personnel.
The Malaysia team have plenty of good footballers who pressure their rivals and make direct passes towards the goal, a factor which is sure to give plenty of difficulties for any rivals, including Vietnam, he stressed.
Meanwhile, Malaysian head coach Kim Pan Gon admitted Vietnam are the strongest team in Southeast Asia, and as both sides have strong and weak points, the Malaysian team would try to explore their hosts’ weakness to score.
Taking on Vietnam that have gained plenty of experience during World Cup qualifiers, Malaysia are set to make every effort to put in the best performance possible at the My Dinh Stadium, coach Kim added.
The 53-year-old Korean manager took the helm in early 2022. He has guided Malaysia in 14 matches with 10 wins, two draws, and two losses.
Malaysia have recently beaten Myanmar 1-0 and Laos 5-0, meaning if they defeat Vietnam, they would remain top of Group B at the AFF Cup 2022.
Most notably, Malaysia have yet to record any victory against Vietnam under the guideline of coach Park in five years. Recently, they lost to Vietnam in clashes at the AFF Cup, SEA Games, and in World Cup qualifiers.
The December 26 match would be the most difficult for Kim since assuming the role of the Malaysian team’s head coach, he admitted.