Players of the Vietnam national football team cheered after a score in a match of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on December 8 sent a letterto encourage the national football team before their participation in the finalfirst leg against Malaysia in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup2018.
Inthe letter, PM Phuc congratulated and praised the team, particularly Koreanhead coach Park Hang-seo, for their brilliant performances in the qualifier andsemifinal rounds to enter the finals after 10 years awaiting by local footballfans.
Thegovernment leader expected the whole squad to prepare themselves well, unite together,and play tenaciously and creatively to gain victory in the two final matches.
Remindingthe players, who are now in Malaysia for the final first leg, of their fans’cheerful mood at home, the PM advised them to stay calm and try their best inthe coming matches.
Vietnamentered the finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 after defeating the Philippines2-1 in the return leg of the semifinal, which took place at Hanoi’s My DinhStadium on December 6. The squad also beat the Philippines 2-1 in the first legheld in Bacolod city of the Philippines four days earlier.
Malaysiabecome the first finalist after a 2-2 draw with the defending champion Thailandin the second leg of their semi-final in Bangkok on December 5. Previously,Malaysia had a 0-0 draw with Thailand in the first leg held in Kuala Lumpur onDecember 1.
Thefinal first leg between Vietnam and Malaysia is scheduled to take place onDecember 11, and the return leg will be held four days later.
Inthe tournament’s history, Vietnam won the championship just once in 2008. Withthe leadership of coach Park Hang-seo and the current squad, both Vietnameseand Korean football fans are hopeful that the S-shaped country’s team will takethe trophy for the second time after 10 years awaiting.-VNA
VNA
