Defeating Thailand, the Vietnamese team was very happy but did not forget their mission.

Vietnam team 2-1 Thailand

"The Vietnamese team is very happy but does not forget the task of resting to prepare for the second leg of the final," captain Do Duy Manh said in an interview on the afternoon of January 3. The Vietnamese team went to the training ground right after arriving in Thailand to prepare for the second leg of the final of the AFF Cup 2024 (ASEAN Cup).

The 2-1 victory in the first leg created an advantage for the Vietnamese team and also helped coach Kim Sang-sik and his team to have good spirits before the rematch with Thailand. However, playing away from home always has many potential risks and a difference of only 1 goal is not enough for the Vietnamese team to confidently think about the championship.

Captain Duy Manh answered questions before the training session.

"For more than 20 years, the Vietnamese team has not won against Thailand at home, but in the first leg, the whole team won to create a slight advantage.

Coach Kim Sang-sik said that the team did very well, dedicated and tried their best to win. However, that was only the first half and there is still the second half on the Thai field. The match will not be easy and the Vietnamese team must prepare well," Duy Manh shared.

The 1996-born midfielder and his teammates temporarily forgot about the first leg. The Vietnamese team did not regret the loss at the end of the match that reduced their advantage. The important thing is that the players and coach Kim Sang-sik stay focused, alert and do not let similar situations repeat.

"Losing a goal, everyone feels regretful. However, the players must try their best because the upcoming match is the most important thing. With home field advantage, every team is more confident. The Vietnamese team must prepare the best for the away match in Thailand.

"The match will certainly not be easy, but we will study our opponents, try to prepare, adapt, and always be ready so that whoever is selected will try their best," captain Duy Manh affirmed.