AFF Cup 2020: Vietnam team not subjective in match against Cambodia

After two easy wins against Laos (2-0) and Malaysia (3-0), the Vietnamese team had to share points with Indonesia in the match that took place on the evening of December 15. This result made many people feel disappointed because it was clear that Coach Park Hang-seo and his team were rated much higher than their opponents.

As for Indonesia, the team that lost to Vietnam in both the first and second leg of the 2022 World Cup qualifying round proved to the whole of Southeast Asia that they may not be as good or strong as the Vietnamese team, but they know how to not let Vietnam score. For them, that is a great success. The joy of the Indonesian players was clearly visible after the referee blew the whistle to end the match.

Vietnam team was unexpectedly held to a 0-0 draw by Indonesia. Photo: VFF

On the positive side, the draw with Indonesia is necessary for the Vietnamese team. Because after 2 wins against Laos and Malaysia, Coach Park's students were pushed to the sky. They do not know who they are, do not know where they are in this regional tournament. If they win all in the group stage, perhaps the Vietnamese team will not see where they need to correct. A draw at this time is a good threshold to re-evaluate themselves.

From the final qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup toAFF Cup 2020,The Vietnamese team must completely change their approach to the game. From a defensive counter-attacking team, Coach Park's students must completely switch to a controlling and dominating style of play. The draw with Indonesia was like a stumble, like an important test. Coach Park and his colleagues will know what needs to be improved when the imposing methods seem to be not enough.

As the favorites, Vietnam will often have to face teams that play defensively. A draw in the group stage is necessary, but in the semi-finals, Coach Park and his team will not have the chance to make changes.

Before reaching the semi-finals, Vietnam will face the final challenge of Cambodia. It is ridiculous to compare the only Southeast Asian team in the third qualifying round of the World Cup with a team considered a weak seed of the AFF Cup. In other words, this is a comparison between the AFF Cup champion and a team considered a low-lying area of ​​regional football. The comparison seems lame but is necessary.

Spectators are waiting for the Vietnam national team to score many beautiful goals in the match against Cambodia. Photo: VFF

However, the stature of Cambodian players is quite disadvantageous, their defense ability is weak. Although they boldly declare that they will attack when meeting Vietnam, the problem is whether they can get the ball.

Winning against Cambodia is an easy task forVietnam National Team. The important thing is that we are not subjective, and our mentality is not too heavy after the draw with Indonesia.

The outcome of the match may change, but one thing is certain: Cambodia will play defensively against Vietnam. They will certainly learn from Indonesia's defense in the last match and minimize the number of goals conceded. How will Coach Park Hang-seo and his players learn from the draw to break down the opponent's defensive style? That is the important thing.

Solving this problem, Vietnam team will confidently enter the semi-finals. At that time, meeting Thailand or Singapore will not be a big obstacle.