Vietnam Coach Vows Victory Against Thailand: A Battle for Pride Awaits!

In an electrifying pre-match press conference held in Bangkok, Vietnam's head coach, Kim, rallied his players to set their sights on the forthcoming challenge, putting the afterglow of their first-leg victory firmly behind them.

"We know how formidable Thailand can be on their home turf, where they will undoubtedly unleash a fierce attack and apply relentless pressure. However, we refuse to be intimidated. Our team has prepared rigorously and is poised to deliver their utmost performance to clinch the championship," Kim declared with fervor.

After snatching a narrow 2-1 win in the first leg at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province, the Vietnamese side holds a slight edge and only requires a draw to secure the coveted title. Nevertheless, Coach Kim is aiming for more than just a draw. He views the second leg of this final not just as a game for medals, but as a matter of national pride, especially significant given the historic rivalry between South Korean and Japanese coaches in Asian football.

"A few days ago, we emerged victorious. We are fully committed to becoming champions; our mental and physical preparations are all geared towards one purpose. We are here to beat Thailand and seize the title," asserted the determined 48-year-old coach.

With an estimated 50,000 fans from Thailand expected at the iconic Rajamangala Stadium, Coach Kim acknowledged the daunting challenge posed by the intense home crowd. He expresses faith in his team's resilience, despite the considerable fatigue that has arisen from the demanding conditions of the Bangkok heat compared to their previous matches.

"The players may be physically drained, but I trust they will leave everything on the field tomorrow to fulfill our objective," Kim emphasized.

Winning the final would crown Vietnam's first ASEAN Cup title since 2018, under the helm of former coach Park Hang-seo. A victory would not only solidify Coach Kim's legacy but also deepen the rivalry with Thailand, a nation that has long dominated the Southeast Asian football scene.

The first-leg triumph was a pivotal moment for Vietnam, marking their first home win against Thailand in 27 years and their first tournament victory against this fierce foe since the 2008 ASEAN Cup final, where they initially won 2-1 before drawing in the second leg to become champions for the first time in history.

"This tournament is monumental, not just for our Vietnamese fans, but for South Korean supporters as well. It has been six long years since Vietnam last secured this title," Kim reflected. "The past few months have been a true test for me and the players as we honed our tactics and forged our team. I extend my gratitude to the coaching staff, players, medical team, and all who have supported us. We have united both on the pitch and off it, and come tomorrow, we will fight as we practiced to reach our goal."

Final Thoughts

Mark your calendars! The excitement builds as the second leg gets underway at 8 p.m. on Sunday (Hanoi time), with live updates available on VnExpress International. Will Coach Kim lead Vietnam to glory, or will Thailand snatch victory on home soil? Stay tuned to find out!