Vietnam team in the same group with Malaysia and Indonesia at AFF 2020
(Baonghean.vn) - After being postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the AFF Cup 2020 draw took place at 2:00 p.m. on September 21 in Singapore. The draw was conducted online.
Opening the AFF Cup 2020 draw ceremony, very emotional images of the coronation ceremony of the Vietnamese team were replayed by the Organizing Committee.
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AFF Cup 2020 draw results. Photo: VFF |
AFF President Sameth Khiev emphasized: "As the defending champion, Vietnam will certainly enter the tournament determined to defend its No. 1 position. However, other teams such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia... are also ready to create an overthrow."
The Organizing Committee will draw lots from the 5th seeded teams to the 1st seeded teams. Vietnam and Thailand are the 1st seeds so they are not in the same group.
The draw put Vietnam in Group B, facing Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos at the AFF Cup 2020.
Meanwhile, group A is Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and the play-off winner.
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| Vietnam's goal is to win the regional championship. Photo: Hai Hoang |
In the regional arena, no matter which group they fall into, the goal of the Vietnamese team is always to win the championship. With a clear understanding of their opponents, coach Park Hang-seo and his team will soon prepare for the campaign to defend their title at the AFF Cup 2020.
A disadvantage for the Vietnamese team is that it is the only team in Southeast Asia competing in the final qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup in Asia. This makes coach Park Hang-seo and his team have a tight schedule at the end of the year.
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| Vietnam team is in the same group with Malaysia. Photo: Hai Hoang |
Due to the impact of Covid-19, the AFF organized the group stage in one country, with Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore all ready to host. From the semi-finals, the teams will compete in home and away matches.
The first leg of the semi-finals will take place on December 22, 2021 and December 23, 2021. The second leg will be held on December 25 and December 26, 2021. The first leg of the final will be on December 19, 2021, and the second leg on January 1, 2022. The two losing teams in the semi-finals will be tied for third place.