AFF Cup final: Last chance for Vietnam in away match in Thailand

The Vietnamese national team hold a training session on January 15 at Thammasat Stadium ahead of the second leg of the AFF Cup final the following day. Unlike the cool weather of Hanoi, as well as the added pressure from the presence of 25,000 Thai fans, Vietnam are required to win or draw at least 3-3 in their away match to claim the title.

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Coach Park Hang-seo notes that his last away game is not easy at all following the 2-2 draw in Hanoi, but he hopes his students will go full steam ahead.

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In a press conference held on January 15, Park recalls Vietnam have many times encountered Thailand but only won on their home ground twice at the AFF Cup 2008 and in the King’s Cup in 2019. The Korean expert expects his players will steal the show this time in an away match in Bangkok.

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“We have come here for victory, and the whole team will try their best to do it for fans,” says Park.

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The result in the first leg leaves Vietnam at a disadvantage. Experts say the team need to fix problems on the wings, while fans wait for Park’s changes in tactics to turn the tide. All are hopeful of a win as a nice goodbye for Park after five years of working in Vietnam.

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Earlier the Thai team practice at Thammasat Stadium to prepare for the Vietnam-Thailand clash. Coach Mano Polking says Thailand will keep attacking, despite their current advantages.

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Polking says their players wouldn't enter the second leg with a defensive mindset but with a winning target.

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Playing at home is an advantage for the Thai team. The only problem they have is an injury to key striker Teerasil Dangda, who is the top scorer of the tournament with six goals. Meanwhile, Vietnamese player Bui Tien Dung won’t be playing due to injuries.