U22 Laos coach praises Vietnamese side ahead of SEA Games 33
VOV.VN - Ahead of their opening match in Group B of the SEA Games 33 men’s football tournament, U22 Laos head coach Ha Hyeok-jun hailed the Vietnamese team and his counterpart Kim Sang-sik, acknowledging that they have built a strong, strategically disciplined squad.
The pre-group stage press conference for Group B took place in Bangkok on December 2 with the attendance of head coaches Kim Sang-sik (U22 Vietnam) and Ha Hyeok-jun (U22 Laos). The U22 Malaysia team has yet to arrive in Thailand and is scheduled to compete from December 6.
At the start of the press briefing, Kim Sang-sik highlighted the significance of the SEA Games for Vietnamese football and confirmed that his team had prepared thoroughly. He said, “The SEA Games is a very important tournament for Vietnam. Tomorrow is the first match and also a very important one. We will focus fully on our immediate goal of progressing past the group stage.”
On their opponent U22 Laos, Kim assessed, “The two teams have faced each other many times. In the most recent encounter, Vietnam won 2-0, but under the leadership of Coach Ha Hyeok-jun, Laos has made clear progress. He has had a major influence on their playing style and team organization. I have great respect for that.”
Regarding SEA Games 33 expectations, Kim stated, “Vietnam will give our utmost effort to achieve the best results. In Southeast Asia, every team enjoys passionate support from fans. I hope we can collectively contribute to the development of regional football.”
For his part, Ha Hyeok-jun expressed admiration for Vietnamese football and Coach Kim: “I have known Coach Kim Sang-sik for a long time. He is a talented strategist and has built a strong team. Facing his team, I believe the Laos squad will continue to grow. In terms of the format, winning one match and drawing one match gives us a strong chance of advancing from the group. We will give our all and prepare as best as possible.”
The opening Group B match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Laos will kick off at 16:00 on December 3. The Vietnamese team aims to secure a victory, setting a strong start on their quest to capture the men’s football gold medal at the SEA Games in Thailand.
Vietnam finalises 23-player U22 squad for SEA Games 33 in Thailand
Head coach Kim Sang-sik on November 30 announced the final 23-player squad of Vietnam’s U22 men’s football team for the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, according to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).
