Coach Garrath McPherson predicts a physically demanding and mentally challenging match.
Dong Nguyen Khang
Vietnam U23 is very strong, but Philippines U23 is determined.
Opening the press conference at Rajamangala Stadium ahead of the first semi-final match of the men's football tournament between Vietnam U23 and Philippines U23, coach Garrath McPherson stated that the entire Philippines U23 team is very confident and determined to win.
Coach Garrath McPherson shared: "Throughout the period since the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Championship, the Philippines U.23 team has implemented a playing style and system that we believe is effective, allowing the players to actively showcase their qualities on the field."
For a U.23 tournament, it's crucial that players have the opportunity to showcase their abilities, so they can build their careers later on. They can't do that without being given the chance to demonstrate what they can do on the field.
Coach Kim Sang-sik poses for a photo with Coach Garrath McPherson and the two captains, Van Khang and Reyes.
Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang
The U23 Philippines team has physically strong players, but every team is like that. We played against U23 Vietnam in the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, and we know that you are also very physically strong.
You guys say the Philippines U23 team has many strong, naturalized players who are good at long balls. But the Vietnam U23 players are also very fit. They train hard, and everyone can see that through the effort they put in on the field in the final minutes of each half."
The U.23 Philippines and U.23 Vietnam teams will compete against each other.
In the group stage, the Philippines U23 team played in Chiangmai. However, coach Garrath McPherson's team had 8 days of rest to prepare for the match against Vietnam U23. This was a huge advantage compared to coach Kim Sang-sik's team, who only had 3 days to rest and recover.
Dinh Bac scored in Vietnam U.23's victory over the Philippines U.23 in the semi-finals of the Southeast Asian U.23 Championship.
Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang
"The U23 Philippines team will not change its long-ball style of play. Tomorrow, I will try to help my players compete with the very good U23 Vietnam players. The team with the best spirit and the highest quality players will win."
We know the strengths and playing style of the Vietnam U23 team. Of course, the Philippines U23 team has discussed thoroughly how to "harm" their opponent. The Vietnam U23 coaching staff will certainly do the same.
"We will stick to our style of play. So this game will be a contest between who believes more in their system and executes their plan better," coach Garrath McPherson affirmed.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-u23-philippines-cho-doi-tran-ban-ket-gian-kho-truc-u23-viet-nam-185251214114748469.htm
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