Vietnamese players in a practice session. They will meet Cambodia in the SEA Games women's football semi-final round on May 12. (Photo: VFF) Speaking at a press conference on May 11, Chung congratulatedCambodia for reaching the final-four round of the SEA Games for the firsttime.
"In Southeast Asia, women's football has been stronglydeveloped. Countries including Cambodia have supported women'sfootball," said Chung. "It is our honour to play against the hostteam. We have seen their remarkable progress. They play well and werespect them."
Chung said his coaching team watched them and saw that it wasa team of equal quality and fitness level.
Chung appreciated Cambodia as being as strong as Thailand,the Philippines and Myanmar.
"Cambodia has big defenders while alsohaving proactive midfielders with several playmakers. Many supporters willcome to encourage their team. Vietnam therefore has to be on highalert," said Chung.
Captain Huynh Nhu of Vietnam also took part in the briefing.
“After knowing our semi-final rival, we sat down and discussed ourplan," said Nhu.
"In our latest match at the 2019 Southeast AsianChampionship, we won big (10-0). But it was four years ago. Now, Cambodia havemade big steps to develop. They played well against Thailand and other rivals.It is not easy to beat them. In the semis, we have to be focused and strictlyfollow tactics. We will have a determined match and win,” Nhu said.
Adding to his captain's opinion, coach Chung said: "Thematch Nhu talked about was before Chinese coach Gao Fulintook charge. Now he is here and he helped the team improve. In thesemi-finals, all teams are strong. We will have to work hard to beatthem".
On the other side, Gao praised defending champions Vietnam'spower.
"Playing against Vietnam is our honour. We will do our bestand hope that players will deliver a good game," he said."Together, with the support of local fans and officials, we will makea competitive semi-final match."
The Vietnam and Cambodia match will be held at the Olympic Stadiumwhile in the other semi-final game, Thailand will play Myanmar at the ArmyStadium./.
VNA
