"The goal of each match is to win. But besides that, I and the Vietnamese team also have other goals. We want to build a style of play. Over the past ten days, the players and the coaching staff have worked hard. The players have worked to the maximum to meet the requirements.

Due to the short concentration, the team still made mistakes and made mistakes. But that is normal because it is different from before. I asked my students to hold the ball, control it better, be persistent and effective. I am satisfied. In addition to winning, the team really played well. I put pressure on myself and expected the players to do their best. In the last two matches, the team kept a clean sheet, and today they scored from a live ball situation. I am satisfied," coach Philippe Troussier shared his feelings after the 1-0 win over Syria.

Coach Philippe Troussier spoke after Vietnam's 1-0 victory over Syria.

"I think it will take time for the players to understand my requirements from now until the World Cup qualifiers. The second requirement is that when they return to their clubs, they play regularly. The V-League ends at the end of August, the new season starts in October, and the World Cup qualifiers in November. I hope that when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are in, the players will need at least 4 to 5 matches at their clubs. If they don't keep playing, it will be difficult for them to maintain their form. I will talk more with the club's coaches to monitor everyone's condition.

The next training sessions will select the best squad. This June, the goal is still to give new faces a chance. For example, today there are 5 U23 players, hopefully after this session they will have more confidence," said the French strategist.

Evaluating Van Toan, coach Philippe Troussier said: "I have evaluated Van Toan since joining the team, in training sessions, he has always been proactive, disciplined and attentive in training. The initial plan was to put Van Toan on the field in the second half and play on the right wing. This was a plan that brought strong attack. But then there were a few changes, so when he entered the field, Toan played on the left wing and then moved to the right. I evaluate Van Toan as fulfilling his role. Experience and positivity will help Van Toan become an important factor in the future."

"The players tried their best today. The style of play emphasizes the collective. But a team without outstanding individual qualities will find it difficult to unite. Tuan Hai and the players who came on in the second half met my expectations," said coach Philippe Troussier.

Syria coach Hector Cuper speaks after the match.

Meanwhile, Syria coach Hector Cuper commented on the defeat: “When the match started, the stands were packed with spectators. The home team did a great job of attracting fans to the stadium. It was the passionate atmosphere that made it difficult for Syria.

The Vietnamese team played better and won 1-0. As I said, I am a new coach. This match was watched by 12 to 15 players participating for the first time. At the beginning of the match, they played heavily because they were not used to the high humidity in Vietnam. But later on, the team played better. The second half was better than the previous matches, but the team still needs time to adapt to the new style of play."

"The coach of the Vietnamese team also leads the U23 team. I think he has good tactics in this match. Vietnam controlled the ball well, making it difficult for Syria to recover the ball. Overall, Mr. Philippe Troussier did very well," the Syrian captain affirmed.

News and photos: VIET AN