Coach Miura changes his mind, setting a target of reaching the SEA Games 28 final.

Having secured a place in the semi-finals early after their victory against U23 Timor Leste, Toshiya Miura confidently stated that the U23 Vietnam team would reach the gold medal match.

Coach Miura is confident about Vietnam U23's chances of reaching the final. Photo: Duc Dong.

Following their 4-0 victory over U23 Timor Leste on the evening of June 7th, U23 Vietnam secured first place in Group B and guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals. This was the target that coach Miura had set with the General Department of Sports and Physical Education before their departure.

However, the Japanese coach doesn't want to stop there. "With each match, our players are gradually improving. Therefore, we will adjust our lineup accordingly for each game. Once we reach the semi-finals, our players will definitely reach the final," Coach Miura shared.

He also explained why the Vietnam U23 team played more effectively in this match compared to their hard-fought 1-0 victory against Laos U23. “Laos U23 played defensively, while Timor U23 chose an attacking style because they still had the goal of reaching the semi-finals if they won. Understanding that situation, we exploited their weaknesses on both flanks, and that's where all four goals in this match originated.”

Commenting on his players, the coach born in 1963 particularly praised central midfielder Huy Hung: “He suffered an injury, so when he returned he lacked ball control in the first match. However, once he regains his form and feel for the game, Huy Hung will play very well and control the midfield.”

Physical advantage did not help the Timor Leste U23 players prevent Vietnam U23 from winning. Photo: Duc Dong.

In their final group stage match, Vietnam U23 will face Thailand U23 (June 10th). A draw would secure Vietnam's place in the semi-finals as group winners. However, Miura has yet to reveal his tactical plans. “Thailand is the strongest team in the region. Therefore, we must find the best way to counter them,” he stated. “Don’t assume we have an advantage just because Thailand U23 doesn’t have coach Kiatisuk. That gives us no advantage at all because Kiatisuk is a coach, not a player.”

Finally, the Japanese strategist did not forget to thank the fans who always came to the stadium to cheer on his players. “I am very grateful for their unwavering support and enthusiastic encouragement in our matches. They gave us the strength to reach the semi-finals, something we couldn't achieve in the previous SEA Games.”

The Vietnam U23 players secured their place in the semi-finals early after winning all four matches. Photo: Duc Dong.

According to VNE