Vietnam coach Sang Sik insists no grudges ahead of Malaysia clash

KUALA LUMPUR: Vietnam coach Kim Sang Sik declares there are no lingering resentments as the two nations prepare to face each other in the Asean Hyundai Cup semi-final first leg at KLFA Stadium on Sunday. Vietnam suffered a 4-0 defeat to Malaysia in their Asian Cup third-round qualifier last year, but this was overturned after FIFA found seven Malaysian players had used forged eligibility documents.

Vietnam were awarded a 3-0 win, but Sang Sik stated the controversy was not on his mind ahead of Sunday's encounter. "I don't know much about the record since I wasn't the coach at the time. We're a new match tomorrow," Sang Sik said at the pre-match press conference in Cheras on Saturday. "Our aim is clear, and our players are eager to achieve it. I believe they will demonstrate that determination on the pitch."

Vietnam striker Nguyen Xuan Son echoed his coach's sentiment, stating he has nothing to prove against Malaysia. "I don't need to prove anything tomorrow. I just want to do my job well. The team is the most important thing. We want to play well and win the game to take back to Vietnam," Xuan Son added. The team's preparation is crucial, with intense training sessions planned for the evening.

Sang Sik highlighted that his team has thoroughly analyzed Malaysia's tactics during their Asean Cup campaign. He believes Harimau Malaya remains a formidable opponent despite the changes in personnel. "Our players are in good condition, we have no injured players, so we have prepared well and believe that will lead to a good result," Sang Sik said.

Malaysia is a strong team, playing with a 4-4-2 system and maintaining good balance. Sang Sik and Xuan Son acknowledged the squad differences but emphasized their focus on the upcoming match rather than past encounters. They have studied Malaysia's strengths and weaknesses and are ready to counter them. Despite the absence of several regulars, Malaysia's midfield and wing players remain a threat.

"We are focusing on Vietnam and preparing well for this game. We don't think too much about Malaysia. We just prepare properly, train well and follow the coach's plan," Xuan Son concluded.