Vietnam's captain Huynh Nhu (right) protects the ball from Cambodian Kunthea Poeurn's tackle during their semi-final match of the 32nd SEA Games on May 12. Vietnam won 4-0 and advance to the final. (Photo: VNA) The defending champions won 4-0 over the hosts in thesemi-final at the Smart RSN Stadium in Phnom Penh.
"We are glad as we qualified for the final,” saidChung at the post-match briefing. “This semis was a little difficult forus but we won."
“Cambodia have progressed a lot and we respect them. In thismatch, my players listened to the instructions from the coachingboard; winning and no injuries and bookings."
Vietnam will play Myanmar in the final on May 15. Myanmar camefrom behind to beat title candidates Thailand 4-2 at the Army Stadium.
“Vietnam met Myanmar in the group round,” said Chung. “We kneweach other so the rematch will be difficult.”
"We watched their semi-finals. They were led 2-0 andfought back to win 4-2. Football is a battle. We have to use our strong pointsto attack in their weak points to win. The luckier team will win thematch."
Chung added that his players were asked to stay focused and workhard for the final.
“We should not look down on them because of beating them in thegroup stage,” he said. “We have to forget that game to focus fully on thefinal. The team's goal has always been the same. Try each match to take thefinal victory.”
On the other side, coach Gao Fulin did not expect such abig loss for Cambodia.
"My players tried hard,” said Gao. “We lost 4-0 but I hopethey can learn from this match. Vietnam are strong with technical andexperienced players while mine are still young.”
"We are in different level of quality but in the futureCambodia can play equally with Vietnam, I hope.
"We will do better in the match with Thailand. We havedeveloped remarkably. Players work and understand each other better. It is thereason why we earned a berth in the semi-final."
The final will be played on May 15 with Cambodia meeting Thailandearlier in the bronze medal playoff./.
VNA
