Mano polking

"I hate defeat. But Vietnam were strong and they had the support of 40,000 fans. They defended well, played long balls and were patient. They also scored a great goal. Thailand also played well. We created many chances but couldn’t score. That’s football," Polking said. He added: "Vietnam got to play at home, they had three months of training with specific strategies. They had better possession and knew how to convert chances. The beautiful goal by Nham Manh Dung is proof that they deserve to be champions." Thailand’s attacking power was considered the strongest in SEA Games as they scored 13 goals before the final. However, they approached the first half differently, compared to other games. "Actually, Thailand’s playing style was still the same. When we played Indonesia, we didn’t need too much pressing, since the opponent didn’t know how to distribute the ball. We tried to press Vietnam but it’s hard to succeed because they have quite a solid defense. I told the players to be … [Read more...] about Vietnam deserve SEA Games gold: Thai coach

Anh Đức NAM ĐỊNH — In a surprising twist on the final day of Group B in the SEA Games 31 men's football tournament, Cambodia held Malaysia to a 2-2 draw, and Thailand capitalised by winning against Laos to top the group. In Thiên Trường Stadium, Malaysia, assured of a place in the semi-finals, rested many key players for their last match against Cambodia. Keisuke Honda's side, which usually goes all-out attack no matter what were transformed into a defensive team with five at the back. Malaysia had 29 shots on target, almost ten times higher than the Angkor Warriors, but the Cambodians scored the opening goal. In the last minute of the first half, Malaysian defender Quentin Cheng handled the ball inside the box, and the referee quickly pointed to the spot. Choun Chanchav stepped up and hit a rocket into the top left corner of Azri Ghani's goal. Malaysia pushed for the equaliser early in the second half and got what they wanted in the 51st minute. Taing Bunchhai took … [Read more...] about Cambodia surprise Malaysia in football draw

Interestingly, both Vietnamese men's and women’s U23 football teams will face Thailand's in the finals for gold medals. Vietnam is going to head to head with Thailand in the finals of SEA Games 31 in the next three days after winning Malaysia 1-0 in extra time of the match on May 19. On the same day, Thailand defeated Indonesia 1-0 in a match consisting of two further 15-minute halves, the same way Vietnam won against Malaysia as both matches ended goalless in 90 minutes. Tien Linh scores a goal in the match versus Malaysia on May 19. Photos: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times Tien Linh conducted a header to open the score for Vietnam in the 111th minute from a corner kick made by Captain Hung Dung. The goal was made after Malaysia was down physically, sometimes resulting in ill-organized defense and fouls when fighting for the ball. In most of the match, Malaysia chose to preserve defensive tactics without clear passes to shut down the rival’s offense. Vietnam’s … [Read more...] about SEA Games 31: Vietnam and Thailand to compete for football gold medal

"Thailand are tough to beat. In the last five games, they scored 15 goals and only let their opponents score twice. And that's after they got the red card in their match with Malaysia. So, it's not possible to have an exact estimate on their defensive capabilities," Park told a Saturday press meet. "Their playstyle is truly perfect. Each team, of course, have their own strengths and weaknesses. The midline of Thailand's offense is very good, with many strong, quick and skillful players. Vietnamese players would need to cover each other and defend well." Despite having entered the final without letting their opponents score even a single goal, Vietnam are still facing criticism, especially regarding their offensive lineup. "We're only a match away from the gold medal. Fans hold high expectations, and that puts pressure on players. But in my opinion, they should learn to rise above that," said Park, adding that the team would prepare their best for the game. Vietnam and Thailand … [Read more...] about SEA Games football final: Park calls Thailand approach ‘perfect’

Việt Nam coach Park Hang-seo answering questions in the pre-match press conference on May 21. — VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Kiên Anh Đức HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam – Thailand football rivalry will have a new chapter as they face off in the SEA Games men's football final on May 22 in the Mỹ Đình National Stadium in Hà Nội. In the under-23s level, Việt Nam is on a five-game undefeated streak against Thailand, with the War Elephants' last victory occurring in 2015. Last time the teams met, Việt Nam won 1-0 through a Trần Bảo Toàn header. Both teams went through gruelling semi-finals that included extra time, with Thailand winning against Indonesia through Weerathep Pomphan's goal and Việt Nam needing a towering header from Nguyễn Tiến Linh in the 111th minute to see off Malaysia. Việt Nam are without Lê Văn Xuân, who went down with a knee injury in the semi-final, which leaves coach Park Hang-seo with a headache selecting a replacement. Thailand, on the other hand, have their strongest … [Read more...] about Coaches play mind games ahead of football final

Vietnam's coach Park Hang-seo answering questions in the pre-match press conference on May 21. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) — The Vietnam – Thailand football rivalry will have a new chapter as they face off in the SEA Games men's football final on May 22 in the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi. In the under-23 level, Vietnam is on a five-game undefeated streak against Thailand, with the War Elephants' last victory occurring in 2015. Last time the teams met, Vietnam won 1-0 through a Tran Bao Toan header. Both teams went through gruelling semi-finals that included extra time, with Thailand winning against Indonesia through Weerathep Pomphan's goal and Vietnam needing a towering header from Nguyen Tien Linh in the 111th minute to see off Malaysia. "Vietnam has a lot of advantages on their hand, with 40,000 fans on their side," said Thailand head coach Mano Polking. "Thailand is the underdog, but we are a hard-to-deal-with underdog since my players and I are … [Read more...] about Coaches play mind games ahead of football final