Philippines National Team - Vietnam National Team: Holding each other back in Bacolod
(Baonghean.vn) - The away match of coach Park Hang-seo and his team against the host team Philippines in the first leg of the semi-final of the AFF Cup 2018 is predicted to be extremely difficult.
Traveling to Bacolod City, the goal of Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates is nothing other than to defeat the host Philippines. Based on their current form and strength, Vietnam is slightly better than coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's team.
After 4 group stage matches, Coach Park Hang-seo and his team have earned 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw), scored 8 goals and conceded no goals. Along with Thailand, Vietnam is also considered the strongest candidate for the 2018 AFF Cup championship.
Entering the first leg of the semi-final against the Philippines, coach Park Hang-seo will not have the service of striker Nguyen Van Toan (injured), the rest are in good physical and mental condition.
However, welcoming Vietnam to Panaad Stadium is not an ordinary opponent. Because the Philippines is now a combination of world-class coach - Sven-Goran Eriksson and a squad of quality naturalized players.
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| Dang Van Lam has yet to pick the ball out of the net at this year's AFF Cup. Photo: Internet. |
Under the guidance of the former England coach, the Azkals' style of play has become much more diverse and sharper than before. In addition to their strong aerial ability, the Filipino players also possess a basic technical foundation with small passes. The Philippines is currently a team that knows how to play with both feet and head skillfully. The 1-1 draw with Thailand is a typical example.
Although entering the first leg of the semi-final against Vietnam, the Philippines' squad was severely damaged (losing 5 players for various reasons), but with his talent and experience, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will know how to help his team overcome difficulties. Do not forget, in the hands of the Swedish strategist there are still important pillars such as M. Falkesgaard, P. Reichet, S. Chrock, M. Ott, C. de Murga or captain P. Younghusband...
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| Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is the brightest star of the Philippines at the AFF Cup 2018. Photo: Internet |
In the past, Vietnam has faced the Philippines 4 times at the AFF Cup. Surprisingly, the results are very balanced, with 2 wins for each team. Based on what has been mentioned, it is likely that the result of the first leg of the semi-final will be a draw. Simply, no team has an absolute advantage at this point./.
