Vietnam’s manager Park Hang-seo has expressed his pleasure after seeing his players defeat hosts Laos 3-0 during their opening Group A match at the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship - Suzuki Cup 2018.

Cong Phuong (C) affirms his team’s determination to play for good results in the next matches.

Thousands of Vietnamese football fans, from Vietnam and those in Laos, arrived very early at the Laos National Stadium in Vientiane to cheer on their home team. The red colour flooded the stands and their favourite players did not betray the expectations of the fans.

Three goals, by striker Nguyen Cong Phuong and veteran Nguyen Anh Duc in the first half, with another superb free kick by midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai in the second half, gave Vietnam a perfect win.

At a press conference following the match, coach Park said that the Vietnamese side won their first three points in their campaign, making him very happy and satisfied. However, the Korean coach also said that several players grew distracted in the last minutes, but above all, the team won.

Cong Phuong, who scored the opener in the 11th minute, said that this is the first game and the first won in the 2018 AFF Cup, but challenges are still ahead. The team will fight to achieve good results in the proceeding matches, the Hoang Anh Gia Lai striker stated.

Meanwhile, the hosts’ manager Sundramoorthy praised efforts by his players who had followed his plan to play solid defence for the whole match, but Sundramoorthy also admitted that the Vietnamese team are too strong for their Lao counterparts.

Sundramoorthy also explained his decision why he did not name his best player, midfielder Souk Aphone Vongchiengkham, dubbed “Lao Messi”, into the squad, saying that he had his own strategy for each match and Vongchiengkham did not feature in their opening match against Vietnam.

Stating that their rivals played well last night, Lao midfielder Phouthone Innalay was also impressed with his all Vietnamese counterparts during the match.

Vietnam earned a good start in the journey while affirming their strength as a real title favourite at the biggest regional tournament this year. Coach Park can rest assured with the team having no injury after the match.

The Vietnamese team will have eight days off before facing Malaysia for their second match at home in Hanoi’s My Dinh National Stadium on November 16. They will surely be followed by cheers from fans at home as the next three points would secure them an early ticket to the knockout phase.

Nhan Dan