Vietnam National Team - Philippines National Team: 4 reasons to believe in victory

1. Home advantage

My Dinh is always a hotbed in every AFF Cup. Photo: Internet

The purpose of the AFF Cup when applying the home and away format in each semi-final and final round is to create fairness for the teams. Thereby, each team when playing at home will play on a familiar field and receive enthusiastic support from many home fans.

My Dinh is always a hotbed of fire during every AFF Cup, a coveted image for many teams when they come here to compete. The pressure from the stands will certainly distract them a lot and is also a catalyst for the home team's players to contribute with the highest spirit.

2. Park Hang-seo is very unpredictable

Even the most knowledgeable football experts would probably find it difficult to read the Korean coach's intentions.

Coach Park Hang-seo. Photo: Internet

Right in the first leg of the semi-final, everyone believed that Mr. Park would choose to play deep, giving the game to the home team, which has a modern European style of play. However, what he did caused everyone to be "offside". Thereby, the Vietnamese team used all their strength from the start, pressing all over the field, even on the opponent's side.

The pressure was so fierce that a small and technically skilled player like Quang Hai did not hesitate to commit fouls, and he even received a yellow card from the referee.

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

“We played better while the home team just chased the ball. Obviously we deserved 3 points more than Vietnam” - Malaysian coach Tan Cheng Hoe was not convinced when speaking after the match.

Whether playing offensively or defensively, the Vietnamese team has always achieved favorable results such as the two victories against Malaysia and the Philippines. Obviously, what Mr. Park Hang-seo is always steadfast in is the appropriateness depending on the time and each opponent. Therefore, an unpredictable person like him will be an important factor for us to believe in a favorable result in the upcoming semi-final match.

3. Phan Van Duc

The versatility of Duc "Tiger" has helped the Vietnamese national team play much easier. Photo: Internet

The Nghe An player was the best player in the first leg of the semi-final, not Quang Hai. The versatility of Duc “Cọt” helped the Vietnam national team play much easier. Duc could drop deep to participate in fierce disputes, which was a factor that helped the Vietnam national team system operate smoothly when switching from defense to counter-attack.

While Quang Hai was caught out, Van Duc still exploded with a delicate goal to help Vietnam win 2-1 against the host Philippines. With such an up-and-coming form, Phan Van Duc promises to continue to shine at My Dinh on December 6.

4. Inheriting the U23 spirit

It is impossible not to mention the achievements that U23 and Olympic have achieved in the recent past. Obviously, that will certainly be the measure to affirm one thing, the Vietnam National Team with those U23 cores has enough courage and experience to be ready to do well in the national team arena in the region at this time.

Not to mention, the current Vietnam National Team is the most united team we have ever had. There is almost no rift in activities as well as when competing on the field. This is thanks to the foundation of U23 Vietnam. A team with good expertise and understanding each other after many years of competing together.