That’s mine: Indonesia’s Jordi Maas (left) heading the ball away from Vietnam’s Pham Tuan Hai in Jakarta. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: Vietnam coach Park Sang-heo’s confidence remains unshaken despite the 0-0 stalemate in the semi-final first-leg match of the AFF Mitsubishi Cup against Indonesia in Jakarta on Friday.
The South Korean coach is optimistic the team are on track to give him the perfect farewell gift, stressing that Vietnam are still stronger than Indonesia.
The 65-year-old coach will leave Vietnam after the AFF Cup campaign.
Vietnam can count on strong home support to drive them to victory when they host Indonesia in the return semi-final leg at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi tomorrow.
“Away games are always difficult but my players have that Vietnamese spirit. Although we didn’t win, we have achieved our target. I want to thank the players for their effort.
“I am satisfied with the result,” said Sang-heo, who has been in charge of Vietnam for the last five years.
Playing at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is a challenging place for any team and Vietnam were under immense pressure from the start.
They had the upper hand in possession but managed only four shots on target for the entire 90 minutes.
Indonesia were faster and sharper in their attacks but were let down by their finishing.
In the first half, Indonesia had seven shots with two on goal but they could not beat goalkeeper Dang Van Lam.
Vietnam also have a very good record against Indonesia under Sang-heo’s watch as they have not lost before.
“Indonesia are a strong team but Vietnam are stronger,” he said.
“Under coach Shin Tae-yong, Indonesia had many new players and their level has risen over the past two years.
“But recently, we defeated them 4-0 in the World Cup qualifiers, drew 0-0 in the AFF Cup and won 3-0 at the SEA Games.”
The Korean coach will be remembered for leading the national team to their first SEA Games football gold medal in 60 years in 2019 and then defending the title when the country hosted the Games in May last year.
Vietnam have also broke into the world’s top 100 for the first time under his watch and are now ranked 96th.
