Result more important than playing style: Vietnam coach

“I always focus on the result, the team can play however they want as long as it’s a win,” Park said in the pre-match conference on Saturday.

Vietnam have won five and drew one in the last six encounters against Malaysia. In 2018, Vietnam defeated Malaysia 3-2 after two legs of the final to lift the trophy.

A win against Vietnam on Sunday will send Malaysia to the next round, while Vietnam also need a victory to catch up with Malaysia in the group.

“Vietnam haven’t lost against Malaysia in the most recent six games. But that’s the past. Malaysia might be an old opponent but they will put on a new performance in this game.

“The team will give their best in both offense and defense when they play Malaysia tomorrow.”

Malaysia are considered a title contender and they also have six new players compared to the last time playing Vietnam in World Cup qualifiers, Park said.

Malaysia are having a problem with their squad after four of their players got Covid-19. They are only having 20 players left for the next games. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are asking the ASEAN Football Federation to allow them to add more players. If their request is not met, FAM said Malaysia will consider leaving the tournament.

The Vietnam vs Malaysia game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday (Hanoi time) and will be reported live on VnExpress International.