Striker Quoc Viet is confident before the confrontation with U22 Malaysia

After the 2-1 win over U22 Laos, striker Nguyen Quoc Viet (far left) returned to training with his U22 Vietnam teammates. (Photo: VFF)

Speaking before the training session on the afternoon of December 4, Quoc Viet said that the whole team still maintained a positive spirit after the 2-1 victory over U22 Laos, although there was still some regret that they could not score more goals. He shared: “After yesterday's match, the team's spirit was quite good. It was a bit regretful that we could not score more goals, but the coach encouraged us that the first match is always difficult, and getting 3 points is good enough.”

Regarding the controversial second goal, Quoc Viet said that because there was no VAR, the players only reacted based on their feelings: “We didn’t think the referee would change his decision. Luckily, the goal was eventually awarded.”

Dubbed the “King of the Youth Championship”, Quoc Viet frankly admitted that the team still has many things to improve, especially the ability to take advantage of opportunities: “The team created many opportunities but did not take advantage of them well. In the second match, the whole team will try to score more goals.”

Before the confrontation with U22 Malaysia, which is also an important match with the ambition to compete for the top spot in the group, the young striker clearly showed his confidence: "I have faced Malaysia many times so I am very confident. The goal of U22 Vietnam is definitely 3 points."

He also said that coach Kim Sang Sik's request was very clear: "The teacher assigned me the task of trying my best and taking advantage of opportunities. As a striker, I have to score goals. I'm a bit regretful that I didn't score in the first match, but I will try harder in the next match."

During the training session on the afternoon of December 4, coach Kim Sang Sik gave a suitable training plan. The group of players who started against U22 Laos mainly practiced recovery, while the remaining group practiced attacking and finishing coordination exercises. Midfielder Nguyen Xuan Bac, who was injured in the opening match, was arranged to stay at the hotel for gym and treatment. According to the medical team, Xuan Bac can return to training in the next 2 to 3 days.

U22 Vietnam still has 7 days before meeting U22 Malaysia (December 11). During this period, the coaching staff will continue to perfect their playing style, especially their ability to handle the final situations. The whole team is determined to win to aim for a ticket to the semi-finals of the men's football event at the 33rd SEA Games.

HUY AN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tien-dao-quoc-viet-tu-tin-truoc-cuoc-doi-dau-u22-malaysia-post928084.html