"I would like to congratulate the players because U23 Vietnam has won a ticket to the final. In addition, I would like to thank all the fans who came to the stadium and cheered for the home team.
The current U23 Vietnam team is completely different from the team under Mr. Park Hang-seo. We will try our best towards the final round," coach Kim Sang-sik opened the press conference after the victory of U23 Vietnam on the evening of September 9.
Regarding the change of the starting lineup for the match against U23 Yemen, the Korean coach said: "The qualifying round has 3 matches, the players cannot play with such a high intensity, so we have to arrange them evenly in each match. With this match, the second half was adjusted and brought efficiency.
Before that, at the end of the first half, the coaching staff sent Van Thuan, Dinh Bac and Thanh Nhan to the field to change positions on the attack line. I was scheduled to make a substitution in the second half but things were not going as planned so I adjusted earlier."
When asked by reporters about scoring for the performance of U23 Vietnam, Mr. Kim emphasized: "After finishing 3 qualifying matches, I realized some points that need to be learned from. I also talked to the players and advised them to stay calm in the penalty area and focus more. When players return to the club, they need to improve everything towards the 33rd SEA Games at the end of the year".
On the side of U23 Yemen, coach Al Sunaini said: "This is not an easy match because U23 Vietnam is a strong team and has improved with each match. Our players are struggling despite creating opportunities.
We should have scored at the end of the first half, but the opponent took advantage. They play with a high team spirit, not just an individual. I am impressed with their solidarity.
Anyway, I am satisfied that Yemen played fairly against the top team in Asia".
