Coach Mai Duc Chung is cautious before the Malaysian women's team.

(NLDO) - Coach Mai Duc Chung and representatives of the teams in Group B attended a press conference before the group stage of women's football at the 33rd SEA Games on the afternoon of December 4.

At the 33rd SEA Games, the Vietnamese women's team will face Malaysia in the opening match of Group B of women's football tomorrow, December 5. Although the opponent is 55 places lower in the FIFA rankings, coach Mai Duc Chung is still cautious.

“I don’t consider Malaysia a weak team, they are improving very quickly. Vietnam must focus on each match, the ultimate goal is still to reach the final,” the veteran coach shared at a press conference on the afternoon of December 4.

The Vietnamese team, as the defending SEA Games champions, has been drawn into a difficult group with Myanmar, the Philippines and Malaysia this season. According to coach Mai Duc Chung, Southeast Asian women’s football is investing heavily, which has significantly narrowed the gap in skill level between teams.

Coach Mai Duc Chung in the press conference room with representatives of group B

The 74-year-old strategist also said the team is rejuvenating its force when some key players are injured: "Some older players are injured so we give opportunities to many young faces. You are making progress and we support them to become more mature."

In this year's tournament, the Vietnamese women's team is missing Chuong Thi Kieu and Duong Thi Van, but Mr. Chung said they still maintain a spirit of solidarity and even playing style. "We don't have a star, but we are a united team. Huynh Nhu is still the exemplary captain, but the whole team must aim for the current goal," Mr. Chung said.

The Vietnamese women's team has been gathering since the end of October, going to Japan to train and compete in friendly matches with many strong opponents to best prepare for the 33rd SEA Games.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/hlv-mai-duc-chung-than-trong-truoc-tuyen-nu-malaysia-196241003190919577.htm