The Vietnamese team will face Singapore in the semi-finals of the ASEAN Cup 2024 (formerly known as the AFF Cup). The entire team has been in Singapore since yesterday (December 23) to prepare for the first leg of the semi-final, which will take place at 8:00 p.m. on December 26.
Sharing about the conditions in Singapore, midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai said that the weather in the neighboring country is very different from Vietnam. He said: "Although the weather is different, it is the rainy season, hot and humid, the training atmosphere is very good. Everyone is excited for the first leg of the semi-final against Singapore."
During the first training session of the Vietnamese team in Singapore on the evening of December 23, Quang Hai had to practice separately. When asked about this, Quang Hai said: "Due to the high competition density, after the match (against Myanmar - PV), I had some muscle problems, needing time to fully recover. Today, I feel better, healthier, to return to practice."
Regarding striker Nguyen Xuan Son, Quang Hai commented: "For me personally, Xuan Son is the type of player who can connect in terms of gameplay, and can make his teammates more comfortable."
The Vietnam team will face Singapore on the artificial turf of Jalan Besar Stadium.
"Coming here, we didn't think about how difficult it would be, just tried to practice our best, put aside all obstacles to prepare well. Today we had a session to get familiar with the field, actually the whole team has played on artificial turf many times, and didn't encounter many difficulties. Today's practice on artificial turf is to regain the feeling, we are also used to it.
To adapt to the playing style, each player must prepare their personal techniques carefully, and meet the requirements of the coaching staff when entering the field. Regarding personal equipment (insoles, new shoes), I have to prepare more carefully. Personally, as long as I feel most comfortable and at ease, I will try my best when entering the field," Quang Hai shared.
Finally, Quang Hai affirmed that the goal of the Vietnamese team in the first leg of the semi-final against Singapore is nothing other than a victory.
