U.23 Philippines coach confident in countering U.23 Vietnam's header weapon

In the press conference before the semi-final match with the U.23 Vietnam team, coach Garrath McPherson made confident statements.

U.23 Philippines is not afraid of opponents

Coach Garrath McPherson shared: "The situation of the U.23 Philippines team is still fine. In the group stage, we played 3 matches and had 1 day to rest. We are supported by the whole country so we feel very happy before the semi-final match.

Initially, we were among the teams that were not highly rated. However, we played more unitedly, played better with each match. It was great to be in the semi-finals. The players love their country, love this sport . They know that they are receiving great support from their home country. I am also very happy with what we have achieved so far."

Coach McPherson added about the players highly appreciated by coach Kim Sang-sik: "These players all have international experience, played in the AFF Cup, and contributed greatly to our journey to the semi-finals. They have impressive tactical vision and dribbling ability. However, I still believe that we have a squad with all 23 players of quality."

Evaluating the strength of U.23 Philippines: Many tall naturalized players, pragmatic tactics

He further analyzed the opponent: "U.23 Vietnam has many goals from set pieces, is always well prepared, and has many players playing for the national team. I have a plan to prevent set pieces from Vietnam. We also have players who are good at aerial combat. Let's wait and see how we neutralize that weapon of Vietnam."

Coach of U.23 Philippines team is confident in overcoming the strengths of U.23 Vietnam team.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

Meanwhile, player John Lucero said firmly: "Vietnam is strong, but we focus more on ourselves, focus on how we prepare, follow the set tactics. We are ready for the semi-finals. We will try to prove ourselves. In every tournament, we are not highly appreciated but we always try to play our best. The important thing is that we do not think we are a weak team, we are very confident, always try to reach the semi-finals, the final. I think we deserve more respect.

The semi-final match between U.23 Vietnam and the Philippines will take place at 4:00 p.m. on July 25 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ on FPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-u23-philippines-tu-tin-khac-che-vu-khi-danh-dau-cua-u23-viet-nam-185250724125354899.htm