Coach Troussier lauds players’ confidence in Thailand draw

Coach Philippe Troussier gives instructions during the SEA Games match between Vietnam and Thailand at Prince Stadium in Cambodia, May 11, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

After the immense pressure to win their last match again Malaysia to avoid elimination, all Vietnam needed to do against Thailand was not lose, according to the coach.

Troussier said he had told his players that whatever pressure they felt, they needed to be confident.

And they were confident, according to the coach, including some second-string players seeing their first action of the tournament.

“We had to put on a good show in this match as a positive preparation for the semifinals,” said Troussier.

“Too bad we conceded too soon. The ground was not good, and it was hard for a player to stand firm in that situation.”

Vietnam conceded in the third minute, when Luong Duy Cuong slipped and created a chance for Achitpol Keereerom, who dribbled past goalkeeper Doan Huy Hoang before finishing into the empty net.

Both Vietnam and Thailand sat many key players for rest in the first half, as both had already qualified for the semifinals.

But in the second half, Troussier made some substitutions and Vietnam were able to constantly pressure Thailand. They equalized in the 54th minute thanks to Le Quoc Nhat Nam’s tap-in after a series of passes and shots starting from a freekick.

Vietnam will face group A topper Indonesia in the semifinals on Saturday.

Troussier said Indonesia’s squad have been in good form ever since the U20 World Cup three years ago, which means the next match will be tough for Vietnam.

But he also said the Thailand game has shown how much Vietnamese players have improved in controlling the ball and finishing.

“We will prepare well,” he added.

 

 

Coach Troussier lauds players’ confidence in Thailand draw

Thái Lan 1-1 Việt Nam