Malaysia wants to burn stone to overcome Vietnam

*Vietnam - Malaysia: 15h30 Wednesday 13/7, on MetaSports.

Coach Sazali spoke highly of Vietnam's attack in an interview with Metro. He says students need speed and physical strength to bridge the gap, limiting Vietnam's ability to coordinate and transform quickly. "Vietnam played well, so we can't reveal too many gaps," coach Sazali said. "If Vietnam has a chance to run cards, it will be very dangerous. I hope the players can recover their physical fitness and state after losing to Laos. Defense must avoid repeating the same mistakes against Vietnam."

Malaysia is the only team that failed to maintain an unbeaten record when they reached the semi-finals. They lost 1-0 to Laos in the final round. Sazali said that some players are not at their best after the group stage. That was partly reflected in Malaysia missing many chances to score in front of the Laos goal.

"The positive thing is that we still had complete control of the game in the last few minutes against Laos," Sazali added. "In the game against Laos, I let some people rest, and they will return in the semi-finals. Hopefully, one day's rest is enough to revitalize the players and prepare them to play Vietnam at their best."

Malaysia reached the finals in all three of its previous races and was also crowned in Indonesia in 2018. This is also the only time this team has won the U19 championship in Southeast Asia. Vietnam have failed to pass the group stage in the past three seasons.

Vietnam and Malaysia have met 10 times in U19 history in Southeast Asia, including 7 group matches, 1 semi-final, 1 third runner-up and 1 final. Vietnam lost only one game with 7 wins and 2 draws. The two teams met in the semi-final in 2011, with Vietnam winning 2-1.