On the evening of December 29, at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho), the Vietnamese team continued to defeat Singapore in the second leg of the semi-finals. Along with the 2-0 away win in the first leg of the semi-finals, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team officially won a ticket to the final of the ASEAN Cup 2024. The opponent of the Vietnamese team in the final match is the winner of the remaining semi-final match between Thailand and the Philippines.
22:27: Coach Tsutomu Ogura of the Singapore team answers the press.
Reporter: Sir, is the Vietnamese team stronger than the Thai team?
Coach Tsutomu Ogura: We congratulate the Vietnamese team for reaching the final. I am not sure who the opponent of the Vietnamese team in the final is, but the Vietnamese team has reached the final and is clearly a strong team with good and clear tactics.
Reporter: What do you think about this match and the players' performance?
Coach Tsutomu Ogura: I think they performed well and improved day by day. I am proud that they were not afraid of the Vietnamese team. Today, the Vietnamese team was a strong opponent but the Singapore players had good fighting spirit. I can be satisfied.
Reporter: In the first half, the Singapore team's goal was not recognized. What would have happened if the goal had been recognized?
Coach Tsutomu Ogura: Not only in this match, but also in the match against Thailand, we conceded unfortunate goals and had to review the VAR technology. The referee is the one who decides and we respect the referee. We have to practice more. We don't talk about the word "if" in football. Maybe, some things would have changed if the first goal hadn't happened.
Reporter: ASEAN Cup 2024 has ended, what is Singapore's next plan?
Coach Tsutomu Ogura: Our next challenge is the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers and we will have to prepare for that tournament. We will have a plan with many domestic players. Their level has improved significantly after the 2024 ASEAN Cup, but the next tournament is when many players who are overseas can be called up during the FIFA Days. They can combine well and produce good results.
22:39: Singapore coach ends press conference.
22:45: Coach Kim Sang-sik and striker Xuan Son of the Vietnamese team answer the press.
Nguyen Xuan Son: I would like to thank the fans for supporting the team today. I have had great energy. This is a great evening.
Reporter: Coach Kim Sang-sik, can you share your feelings about achieving your goal of reaching the finals? What are your upcoming preparation plans?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: I am very happy to have achieved my initial goal of reaching the final of the tournament. Thank you to the fans for supporting us. The whole team has gone through 6 matches and the players have done their best, following my tactics. They have shed blood and tears, this is just the beginning for the Vietnamese team.
Reporter: How is Tan Tai's injury, sir?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: We will have separate tests for Hu Jin Tai tomorrow morning. He is in pain and does not look well at all. All players on the team have their own value, if Jin Tai is seriously injured, it will be a big loss. I hope there will be no serious injuries.
Reporter: You used many players but Tuan Hai had very few opportunities. Is this a special card for the final match?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: I think every player needs to be ready and in good shape. It is difficult to pick 11 names in the starting lineup. The coaching staff has their own analysis for each match. Tuan Hai is in good shape, training very well, but this player has not had many opportunities. I hope he will be able to play in the final.
Reporter: The Vietnamese team is waiting for the results of the second semi-final to know the opponent. What are you preparing for?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: Whether the opponent is Thailand or the Philippines, we have a plan to prepare. The Vietnamese team is ready to aim for the best results in this year's tournament.
Reporter: Do you want to meet the Philippines or Thailand more?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: I don't care who the opponent is in the final match, anyone can win tomorrow. We analyze and prepare tactics, and the players will practice to prove their strength and win the championship.
Reporter: Why does Xuan Son always give the penalty kick to Tien Linh?
Nguyen Xuan Son: I think the Vietnamese team has good connection, Tien Linh is a good striker. In a match, he and I can score. He will improve his mentality and performance. For me, how many goals we score is not as important as winning in the end. The Vietnamese team aims to win the championship.
23:05: Coach Kim Sang-sik ends the press conference.
