Coach Mai Duc Chung and the Indonesian women's team: What did they say before the semi-final?

Coach Mai Duc Chung and his team are ready for the semi-final match. Photo: Duy Hieu .

At the press conference on the afternoon of December 13th, coach Mai Duc Chung affirmed: "We have information that Indonesia has six different players, including four naturalized players who have been substituted and added to the squad. This forces the Vietnamese coaching staff to analyze very carefully, from personnel to tactics."

The experienced strategist emphasized that the Vietnamese women's team is not passive in the face of these changes. "We have learned, researched, and prepared specific countermeasures. The coaching staff and players all understand that if the opponent changes personnel or playing style, we must also have a corresponding plan to control the game," said Coach Mai Duc Chung.

Coach Mai Duc Chung expressed respect for his Indonesian opponents, acknowledging their well-organized team with a fast-paced and energetic style of play. Concluding the press conference, he thanked the fans and affirmed that the Vietnamese women's team would perform at their best in the semi-final match.

Also attending the press conference, Pham Hai Yen stated that the entire team will compete with the highest level of determination to achieve the goal of reaching the final. The team's striker revealed that she was given the captain's armband in place of Huynh Nhu due to her teammate's injury, and also as a way to share responsibility within the team. "It was both an assignment from the coaching staff and a responsibility I am willing to shoulder to help the whole team try harder," Hai Yen shared.

Vietnam's women's team will face Indonesia in the semi-finals, while Thailand will finish first and meet the Philippines. Photo: Duy Hieu.

On the Indonesian side, coach Akira Higashiyama expressed pride that his women's team had reached the SEA Games semi-finals for the first time, considering it a historic milestone. He stated that reaching the top four was a well-deserved reward for the team's tireless efforts.

The Japanese coach maintained a relaxed demeanor but did not hide his caution. He acknowledged that Vietnam is a top regional rival, rich in tradition and always considered a championship contender, but Indonesia has learned many important lessons and will apply those experiences to prepare a counter-strategy. "We want to play a quality semi-final match and will do everything to seek victory," he emphasized.

Sharing the same view, captain Gea Yumanda affirmed that Indonesia's goal goes beyond simply making history. The female player stated that the entire team receives great support from fans back home and is ready to face the biggest challenge of the tournament.

Although she appreciates the strength of the Vietnamese women's team, Gea Yumanda believes the current situation is different. With a five-day break for recovery and preparation, Indonesia is confident entering the semi-final with the highest determination, aiming for an unexpected result.

The Vietnamese women's team will face Indonesia at 4:00 PM on December 14th.

Vietnam women's team crushes Myanmar: On the evening of December 11th, the Vietnamese women's team brilliantly defeated Myanmar 2-0 to secure a place in the semi-finals of the women's football tournament at the 33rd SEA Games.

Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-mai-duc-chung-tuyen-nu-indonesia-noi-gi-truc-ban-ket-post1611142.html