Vietnam, Malaysia have advantages in AFF Cup’s Group A: ESPN

Vietnam and Malaysia are deemed the favourites for the next stage in Group A of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018, reported the ESPN sport website.

The AFF Suzuki Cup will take place from November 8 to December 15 at 12 different stadiums in Southeast Asia.

Group A consists of Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

According to ESPN, Vietnam’s senior side has not played a lot of late and warmed up with a training camp in the Republic of Korea and friendly matches against local clubs. Qualification for the 2019 Asian Cup was impressive and there is a nucleus of young players that have come through the ranks together.

Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam is viewed one of the most prominent players of Vietnam at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 (Photo: VNA)
Goalkeeper Dang Van Lam is viewed one of the most prominent players of Vietnam at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 (Photo: VNA)

Head coach Park Hang-seo has become a popular figure after leading Vietnam’s U23 team to a series of impressive results in continental tournaments. 

Additionally, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam is viewed one of the most prominent players of the team. “The goalkeeper has just broken into the national team and is set to be the No. 1 for a number of years”, ESPN wrote.

It continued that Vietnam have plenty of attacking and creative talents, therefore, there is a real chance of a repeat of Vietnam's 2008 AFF Cup success.

Meanwhile, the exploits of the U23 team this year have been a very welcome piece of good news that has helped lift some of the gloom in Malaysian football. The regional football tournament is a major test for the national team under manager Tan Cheng Hoe.

The 21-year-old Safawi Rasid has already proved to be one of the most exciting young talents in the region.

ESPN said Malaysia’s opening game in Cambodia is crucial. A win in Phnom Penh would get Malaysia's self-belief going and would also give the team a great chance of the last four.

Cambodia have lost most of their friendly matches of late due to the team’s experiments in tactical formations. Chan Vathanaka, the attacker known as CR11 started in the last edition of the AFF Cup and still has what it takes to shine on the regional stage.

Regarding Myanmar, after an encouraging 2017, results this year have been poor. However, the federation should be congratulated for arranging tests with China, Bolivia and Bahrain, they may have all ended in defeat but their true value should be revealed especially after a pre-tournament training camp in Qatar.

German coach Antoine Hey has plenty of experience in Europe and especially Africa. Moreover, Zaw Min Tun, who is playing for Thailand’s Chonburi club, is said to be the team’s pillar. 

The squad made the last four two years ago. That was on home soil however and the target is to repeat the feat this time. Hence, the final game against Malaysia will be vital.

Laos have made progress lately as it is an organised team in friendly matches with pragmatic style. 

Under the management of V Sundramoorthy, the team is expected to attain good results in the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup with while placing its hope on key man Khonesavanh Sihavong.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

Security preparations reviewed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc

The team examined the APEC 2027 Convention Centre, where main conference activities are scheduled; Sun Serenia Hospital, designated to provide healthcare and emergency medical services for delegates; provincial road DT.975, which connects Phu Quoc International Airport to the convention centre; and the area surrounding Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

Hanoi accelerates seven Red River bridge projects, many exceed 70% completion

According to the municipal Transport Construction Investment Project Management Board, the city is simultaneously implementing seven projects, namely Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Hong Ha and Me So bridges. Construction is being carried out on multiple fronts, focusing on bored piles, pile caps, piers and superstructure works.

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Dien Bien battlefield legacy powers tourism revival

Seventy-two years after the Dien Bien Phu Victory, its legacy still reverberates. The unity, self-reliance, and resilience forged in that historic triumph remain a powerful internal engine, now propelling Dien Bien toward fast and sustainable development.

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

Hanoi accelerates shift to green buses, targets 100% by 2030

In the 2027–2030 period, the city will accelerate the transition towards the complete phase-out of fossil fuel-powered buses. The share of electric and green energy-fueled buses is projected to reach 79–89% by 2029 and 100% by 2030.

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

36 fishermen safely rescued after boat breaks down near Truong Sa

At 8:00 the same day, KN475 began towing the disabled fishing boat toward Da Tay A island. The towing operation was carried out safely, and by 18:30 both the vessel and its crew had arrived at the island without incident, where repairs and additional support procedures were arranged.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Vietnamese language contest in Laos strengthens youth ties, bilateral friendship

Held in response to the launch of the Vietnamese Language Day among overseas Vietnamese communities, the event aimed to enhance the quality of Vietnamese language teaching and learning in Laos while contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

Hanoi launches 10 electric bus routes from April 1

By the end of April, the number of buses using electricity and other green energy sources in the city is expected to reach 822, including 683 electric buses and 139 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, representing 42.1% of the total number of vehicles.