On the evening of January 2, at Viet Tri Stadium (Phu Tho), the Vietnamese team defeated Thailand with a score of 2-1 in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final. The home team's two goals were scored by Xuan Son. The goal that shortened the score for the "War Elephants" was scored by Chamlermsak.
22:10: Coach Ishii Masatada answers the press.
Reporter: What do you think about Xuan Son's performance? Will the Thai team's plan collapse because of him?
Coach Ishii: As everyone knows, Xuan Son is a quality player. Thailand made a mistake today and let this player score.
Reporter: What do you think about the referee?
Coach Ishii: We need to respect the referee's decisions and I cannot change his decision.
Reporter: Comparing the semi-final and the first leg of the final, which match were you more disappointed with?
Coach Ishii: In the match against the Philippines, we lost 1-2 in the last minutes. In this match, we scored an equalizer and these are two completely different situations.
Reporter: Thailand met Vietnam twice in 3 months and the results were opposite, is the difference due to Xuan Son?
Coach Ishii: Between these two matches, the difference is certain. In this match, the Vietnamese team has Nguyen Xuan Son, but not in the previous match.
Reporter: Thailand lost to the Philippines after 52 years and lost to Vietnam after 27 years, how do you feel?
Coach Ishii: Actually, both opponents have gotten stronger and improved over the years, I don't put much importance on these numbers.
22:25: Thailand ends press conference.
22:32: Coach Kim Sang-sik and Xuan Son answer the press.
Reporter: Mr. Park Hang-seo once said that he would not be afraid of Thailand anymore. What can he say today?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: I also think that there is nothing to fear from Thailand anymore, especially after today's victory, Vietnam has shown its strength against Thailand, there is no mountain that cannot be overcome. It has been 27 years since we have won against Thailand. I am happy about this. I feel like I have brought joy to the fans at the beginning of the new year.
Reporter: Is your strategy today to constantly put pressure on your opponent?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: I analyzed my team and the opponent before coming up with different strategies. My goal was to win when I entered the field. Thailand is strong and has physical strength. I told Xuan Son to be more aggressive. The Vietnamese team was very strong today, played very well and won.
Reporter: Chalermsak said he didn't know who Xuan Son was, what happened after this match?
Player Xuan Son: I heard about this but I don't really care. What I want is to bring victory to the Vietnamese team. I don't care and want to focus on the match.
Reporter: Currently, Xuan Son is the star of ASEAN Cup 2024, what advice do you have for him?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: I'm very happy to have him, Xuan Son is a player that cannot be missed. Xuan Son can add a little more composure in the game, he played very well.
Reporter: You won against Thailand in the first leg, what adjustments will you make in the second leg?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: Today, I won 2-1 against Thailand and I am satisfied, Vietnam should have won by 2 goals. The players need to improve their mentality, they need to improve after this match based on the lessons learned. The Vietnam team will rest a bit.
Reporter: What do you think about Doan Ngoc Tan?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: Ngoc Tan runs a lot, always tries his best in every match. He fights for the team, he stops many attacks from Thailand. I think he is a very special player. He has positive energy and brings motivation to the coaching staff. I thank him for today's match.
Reporter: Hoang Duc shows his compatibility with Xuan Son?
Player Xuan Son: Of course, he is a very special player. He always watches how I move, the game will be easier with Hoang Duc. He is smart. If I coordinate with Hoang Duc, Quang Hai will create flexible changes.
Reporter: The Vietnamese team still has the second leg match, do you think today's loss will affect the players' mentality?
Coach Kim Sang-sik: Today, the Vietnamese team should have won by 2 goals, but I'm satisfied.
A little carelessness from the defense caused the Vietnamese team to concede a goal, but this is also a lesson for them to focus more on the second leg of the semi-final. Today, the Vietnamese team could have won by 2 goals, but I was satisfied. A little carelessness from the defense caused the Vietnamese team to concede a goal, but this is also a lesson for them to focus more on the second leg of the semi-final.
22:54: Vietnam ends press conference.
