Vietnam vs. Philippines: 4 reasons to believe in victory

1. Home advantage

My Dinh Stadium has always been a cauldron of passion during every AFF Cup tournament. Photo: Internet

The purpose of the AFF Cup's two-legged format for each semi-final and final round is to create fairness for all teams. This allows teams playing at home to enjoy familiar pitches and the enthusiastic support of their home fans.

My Dinh Stadium is always a cauldron of excitement during the AFF Cup, a coveted destination for many teams playing there. The pressure from the stands will undoubtedly distract them, but it also acts as a catalyst for the home team's players to give their all.

2. Park Hang-seo is very unpredictable.

Even the most knowledgeable football experts would likely struggle to decipher the intentions of the South Korean coach.

Coach Park Hang-seo. Photo: Internet

Right from the first leg of the semi-final, everyone believed that Coach Park would choose a defensive approach, conceding possession to the home team, who had a modern, European-style football. However, what he did completely caught everyone off guard. As a result, the Vietnamese national team unleashed their full potential from the start, pressing all over the field, even in the opponent's half.

The team played so aggressively that even a smaller, more technically gifted player like Quang Hải didn't hesitate to commit fouls, and he even received a yellow card from the referee.

Previously, at My Dinh Stadium in the second match of the group stage, the home team Vietnam was outplayed by Malaysia in terms of possession. According to statistics, the Vietnamese team only controlled 31% of the game compared to 69% against the visiting Malaysian team.

"We played better while the home team just chased the ball. Clearly, we deserved the three points more than Vietnam," said Malaysia's coach Tan Cheng Hoe, expressing his dissatisfaction after the match.

Whether playing offensively or defensively, the Vietnamese national team has achieved favorable results, such as the two victories against Malaysia and the Philippines. Clearly, what coach Park Hang-seo consistently does is adapt his approach to each situation and each opponent. Therefore, an unpredictable coach like him will be a crucial factor in our belief in a favorable outcome in the upcoming semi-final match.

3. Phan Van Duc

The versatility of Duc "Cort" has made it much easier for the Vietnamese national team to play. Photo: Internet

The player from Nghe An was the best player in the first leg of the semi-final, not Quang Hai. Duc's versatility made it much easier for the Vietnamese national team to play. Duc could drop deep to participate in fierce challenges, and he was a key factor in helping the Vietnamese team's system operate smoothly when transitioning from defense to counter-attack.

While Quang Hai's tactics were neutralized, Van Duc continued to shine with a sublime goal that helped the Vietnamese national team win 2-1 against hosts Philippines. With such rising form, Phan Van Duc promises to continue to excel at My Dinh Stadium on December 6th.

4. Inheriting the spirit of the U23 team.

It's impossible not to mention the achievements of the U23 and Olympic teams in recent times. Clearly, this will certainly serve as a benchmark to affirm that the Vietnamese national team, with those U23 key players, has the necessary composure and experience to perform well in the national team arena in the region at this time.

Moreover, the current Vietnamese national team is the most united team we've ever had. There's almost no discord in their daily lives or on the field. This is thanks to the foundation laid by the U23 Vietnamese team – a team with excellent technical skills and a deep understanding of each other after many years of playing together.