Coach Troussier: 'The 32nd SEA Games bronze medal is the first step'
"We want to win this match, because that brings medals. We want to use it as a marker and a positive image. We will remember this moment at the SEA Games in Cambodia, a moment. the journey begins," said Troussier after the 3-1 victory at the Olympic Stadium (Phnom Penh), and affirmed that the players played well, took the initiative and made the right decisions before his match.
Two days after a bitter defeat in the semi-final against Indonesia, Vietnam showed a positive face in the Myanmar match. In the 9th minute, the team opened the scoring thanks to Ho Van Cuong's decisive ice and finish. In the 34th minute, this defender again picked up the ball on the right wing and shot into the high corner, not giving goalkeeper Phyo Thu a chance to save. This is the second Vietnamese player to score a double at the 32nd SEA Games, after Nguyen Van Tung. In the 54th minute, Vietnam increased the score to 3-0 thanks to Khuat Van Khang's one-touch left foot shot. Towards the end of the second half, Myanmar saved a goal from Aung Myo's header.
About the hero Van Cuong, coach Troussier said: "Considered as a defender, but this match Van Cuong scored twice. In the Vietnamese football environment, there are many tables in the style of 'oh my god, my earth', from the referee or the opponent's mistake But this match, our goals were made according to the cards, we prepared and practiced in advance The bronze medal did not match the expectations of the fans, but I We look at our team through expertise. We are in the process of building. I want the players to play well, not only in Southeast Asia but also in Asia. Thank you SEA Games, when Give us experience, select players to prepare for the future."
Vietnam won the last two SEA Games under the guidance of Coach Park Hang-seo. In January, the Korean leader's contract expired, so coach Troussier was chosen to succeed. SEA Games is his first official tournament.
Assessing the current generation of Vietnam compared to other countries that have faced each other in this tournament, Troussier said: "In terms of organization, strategy and gameplay, I don't see any team that is too superior to them. Vietnam The teams are all the same. The difference is the real battle experience. The players from Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia have played a lot, even played abroad. Their core is U22. As for Vietnam, For example, this match has six U20 players. In my opinion, the current composition of Vietnam has many talented players. They can help Vietnam win better results in the future. I am optimistic for this generation, But of course we need to maintain, towards the next goals."
After the SEA Games, the Asian Games (ASIAD 19) is the next important tournament of Vietnamese sports in 2023. Normally, the VFF sends a U23 or U22 team to attend. But with the goal of rejuvenation and aiming to participate in the 2026 World Cup final, the U20 team will represent Vietnam at the tournament in China in September to accumulate experience. This means that many players in the SEA Games will not be able to participate in the upcoming ASIAD.
Coach Troussier assessed: "I understand the opinion of the VFF. It was not an easy decision. These tournaments are not FIFA Days. We must preserve the integrity of the domestic tournament.... Me and the VFF agree. The first priority is to use younger troops for tournaments. My priority is the U23 to attend the Asian U23 tournament, then the World Cup qualifiers. We must preserve the interests of the club. If we have to stop the tournament a lot, the clubs will have to I want to start over. I want to build a team from the foundation of the club. We can only have a strong team if the clubs are strong and the domestic league is strong."
