Vietnam’s women have to work hard to beat Cambodia in semis: coach Chung

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Chung congratulated Cambodia for reaching the final-four round of the SEA Games for the first time.

“In Southeast Asia, women’s football has been strongly developed. Countries including Cambodia have supported women’s football,” said Chung. “It is our honor to play against the host team. We have seen their remarkable progress. They play well and we respect them.”

Chung said his coaching team watched them and saw that they were a team of equal quality and fitness level.

Chung said Cambodia are as strong as Thailand, the Philippines and Myanmar.

“Cambodia have big defenders as well as proactive midfielders and several playmakers. Many supporters will come to encourage their team. Vietnam, therefore, have to be on high alert,” said Chung.

Captain Huynh Nhu of Vietnam said in their latest match at the 2019 Southeast Asian Championship, Vietnam earned a 10-0 victory.

“But it was four years ago. Now, Cambodia have made big steps to develop. They played well against Thailand and other rivals. It is not easy to beat them. In the semis, we have to be focused and strictly follow tactics. We will have a determined match and win,” Nhu said.

Coach Chung said the 2019 match was before Chinese coach Gao Fulin took charge. But he has helped Cambodia make major developments.

On the other side, Gao praised defending champions Vietnam’s power.

“Playing against Vietnam is our honor. We will do our best and hope that players will deliver a good game,” he said. “Together, with the support of local fans and officials, we will make a competitive semi-final match.”

The Vietnam and Cambodia match will be held at the Olympic Stadium at 7 p.m. while in the other semi-final game, Thailand will play Myanmar at the Army Stadium.

The Vietnam game will be reported live on VnExpress International.