Dang Van Lam: 'Singapore only tries to clear the ball'

Vietnam controlled the ball 76.8%, launched 19 shots but could not concede Singapore. This result is completely opposite to what the team showed in the previous two matches, when they won 6-0 on the field of Laos and 3-0 when they received Malaysia despite having to play short of players in the first half because of Nguyen's red card. Van Toan.

"This match took place on an artificial grass field, we had a lot of difficulties in controlling the ball and kicking as we wanted," goalkeeper Dang Van Lam shared. "However, one point is acceptable. Because we have to play away, the artificial grass is very uncomfortable. The opponent is back deep, keeping the defensive line, they just try to break the ball."

Singapore has many high-quality natural grass courts, but in this year's AFF Cup they used Jelan Besar with artificial grass. This was predicted from the beginning that it would be difficult for Vietnam, because the players are used to playing on natural grass.

In this match, coach Park Hang-seo did not use the strongest squad, when he changed eight positions compared to the victory against Malaysia (only keeping goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, central defender Que Ngoc Hai and captain Do Hung Dung). In the second half, five pillars Phan Van Duc, Nguyen Quang Hai, Ho Tan Tai, Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Tien Linh entered the field.

With the result 0-0, Vietnam still tops Group B with seven points but could not win tickets to the semi-finals early. In the last match, the team welcoming Myanmar was eliminated on January 3, 2023, while Singapore did. Malaysian guests. Coach Park's teachers and students are only eliminated if they lose with a difference of six goals. "One point is also very important, helping us get ready for the next match," Van Lam said. "The situation is still optimistic, we will return to Hanoi and prepare for the match against Myanmar."