Coach
Park Hang Seo (Source: VNA)
Speaking at a press conference held by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) in
Hanoi on January 29, Park said following the AFC U23 Championship, the squad’s
coaching panel and the VFF will prepare for other tournaments such as Asian
Games (ASIAD), ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) and 2019 AFC
Championship.
He used the occasion to thank the Party, State and relevant units for their
support, as well as football lovers for their sentiments towards the
squad.
Asked about factors leading to the team’s success, the coach said apart from
physical strength and tactics, solidarity, discipline and high determination contributed
to the result, stressing that the players competed with the aim to bring glory
to their homeland.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has applauded the Party
Organisation, authorities and people of Hanoi, the Ministry of Culture, Sports
and Tourism, the VFF, the Ministry of Public Security and press agencies for
their contributions to the welcome ceremony for U23 Vietnam which took place
safely on January 28 night.
The leader expressed his hope that the squad’s spirit and will will be spread
in all sectors and regions, contributing to the national construction and
defence.
"U23 Vietnam’s second runner-up title at the AFC Championship is the historic
achievement of the country’s sport sector, demonstrating the stuff and will of Vietnamese
people. It is also the pride of the nation, especially the young generation,”
he said.
Vietnam became the runner-up at the AFC U23 Championship after losing 1-2 to
Uzbekistan in the final in Changzhou, China on January 27.
The team defeated Australia 1-0 in the group stage. They won over Iraq in the
quarterfinals and Qatar in the semifinals with penalty shootouts. With these
achievements, Vietnam became the first Southeast Asian squad to compete at the
AFC U23 final.
Source: VNA