Coach Toshiya Miura: 'It won't be interesting to meet Thailand in the semi-finals'

Determined to overcome the Philippines to win first place in Group A, avoiding Thailand in the semi-finals, that is the goal of the Vietnamese team when playing the last match of the group stage at 7:00 p.m. on November 28.

Coach Toshiya Miura affirmed: "We have just gone through two difficult matches. Although we are almost certain to reach the semi-finals, against the Philippines, we will be cautious but want to play quickly to win.

Through the first two matches, I have selected the best players of the Vietnamese team at the moment and I would like to confirm that the best players of the Vietnamese team will take the field in the match against the Philippines.

We will definitely play with the same spirit as the match against Indonesia and achieve the expected result as the match against Laos. To win the top position, Vietnamese players must play with concentration and 100% performance.

It won't be interesting to meet Thailand in the semi-finals, but if we get to play the second leg in Hanoi, it will be an advantage for the Vietnamese team."

Vietnam team captain Le Tan Tai affirmed: "In the two matches against the Philippines at the AFF Cup 2010 and 2012, the Vietnam team made some mistakes and had to accept defeat. But this time we will play more closely."

Coach Thomas Doley's Philippines team wants to compete for the top spot in Group A with the Vietnamese team. Photo: Thanh Ha

From the Philippines team, coach Thomas Doley stated: "The Philippine players have done very well in the past matches, and the whole team has been relaxing and recovering their physical strength over the past two days. We want to finish the group stage in first place and look forward to a good match against the Vietnamese team.

I am sure the Philippines will want to win the last match of the group stage. We will try our best but I will decide the lineup tomorrow.

Vietnam is the most dangerous opponent in Group A. Vietnam's style of play is pressing, and they played well at home. This is a difficult match against the Philippines.

We will play at 100% and want to beat the Vietnamese team. Once you want to become a champion, you have to beat every opponent and we don't care about our opponents in the semi-finals."

Midfielder Phil Younghusband said: "Philippine football is developing rapidly. I am very honored to play at My Dinh Stadium. The Philippines team has had a good result and a favorable match result, but the important thing is that we will enter the match with the best spirit."

According to TTVH