Despite a 2-0 victory in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 (AFF Cup) semifinals, Coach Kim Sang Sik remains cautious as Vietnam prepares to face Singapore again in the second leg at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho.

A cautious approach to the semifinals

Speaking ahead of the second leg, Kim Sang Sik acknowledged the demanding schedule of the tournament but praised his players for their focus and teamwork.

“The tournament has a packed schedule, but my players have stayed focused and maintained a strong collective spirit,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support, promising to repay their faith with victories.

Although Vietnam secured a 2-0 win in the first leg, Coach Kim emphasized that the scoreline does not guarantee safety.

“This victory puts one foot into the final, but it’s not a significant margin. The second leg will bring challenges, and we must give our all to secure a win at home,” Kim explained.

The road to the final

Vietnam’s journey in the ASEAN Cup, according to Kim, is just beginning. He commended his players for adhering to tactics, contributing to the team’s development.

“I trust my players to give their all, to fight without hesitation, and to continue the spirit we’ve shown. With the fans’ support, I’m confident the team will play with the highest determination,” Kim added.

Addressing slow starts

Vietnam has faced criticism for failing to score in the first half of their last five ASEAN Cup matches. However, Coach Kim downplayed the concern.

“I don’t see this as a major issue. Against Singapore in the first leg, we didn’t score in the first half, but the players put in great effort,” he said.

Kim noted that Singapore excels at long balls, and his team has analyzed their opponents to devise strategies for countering this style.

“We’ve created numerous chances but lacked the luck to convert them into goals. I’ve made some adjustments and hope for a better first half in the upcoming match,” he concluded.

The second leg of the ASEAN Cup semifinal between Vietnam and Singapore will take place at 8:00 PM on December 29 at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho.

Dai Nam