Vietnam set sights on final at U21 event

Coach Pham Minh Duc of Vietnam is targeting a berth in the final of the International U21 Football Championship.

"I do not see any problems for my team as yet. They are in a good mood and have reached their peak in terms of performance. The players are excited and are thirsting to show off their abilities," Duc said.

"I believe we can do better than in the previous tournaments where we reached the semi-finals. We will enter the final."

Duc called 23 players to train for the annual event which is from November 20 to November 29, at the Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam are drawn in Group A with Thailand and Singapore.

Talking about the rivals, Duc said all the teams were at the same level, and he did not discount anyone.

"The Thai squad is not the national U-21 team, but I knew that even an amateur team in Thailand could play well. Thai footballers playing here are of the same age as the Vietnamese," Duc said.

"Singapore has been introduced as a qualified team and has experienced different tournaments, so they are not easy rivals. I have asked my players to be careful in every match."

Vietnam will play three friendly matches prior to the tournament.

They will play V. League 1 side Quang Ninh Coal, the Republic of Korea U19 two days later, and a local PVF U21 squad on November 19.

They will start their journey against Thailand which will be aired live on VTV6 channel.

Thailand also tested their skills before coming to Vietnam.

After winning a friendly match against Nonthaburi FC 2-1 on November 12, coach Supachart Manakit said his players train and compete regularly so they really connect and understand each other.

These are their advantages apart from their strong physique and advanced skills which they have built up for years.

Meanwhile, manager of the team Suchat Indraluk, said Thailand is one of the best teams in the region, so it is targeting a triumph in the cup at HCM City, which would be another point in Thailand's present series of victories.

The Vietnam national head coach Toshyia Miura will stay in the stands seeking talented players to add to his U-23 list.

VNS