Coach Michael Weiss: 'Laos will not let Vietnam win easily'

"Needless to say much, everyone knows that Vietnam has many chances to win tomorrow's match. They are also candidates to win the AFF Cup this year," coach Weiss shared at a press conference in Vientiane today 20. /twelfth.

Laos has never won against Vietnam, lost all of the last 10 matches and scored only one goal in 1998. They have also never made it to the group stage of the AFF Cup, while Vietnam have won it twice, 1998 and 2018.

"Coach Park has done his job very well during his five years of leading the Vietnam team. This team currently has many quality players, the team's organization is also good. Obviously Vietnam is a champion candidate. But we will try to show the best we have, with positive energy. Laos will not give up, not let Vietnam win easily, "said Coach Weiss. "We did not sit at home and sleep, but prepared for the game carefully. The team analyzed our matches and the opponent's. We found a way to execute counter-attacks."

Weiss is a German coach who once led U23 and the Philippines team. He moved to lead the Lao team in February. The 57-year-old leader said he built Laos with a mix of U23 players and older players with long experience.

Sharing the same opinion with Coach Weiss, captain Soukaphone Vongchiengkham also vowed to cause difficulties for Vietnam. He said: "Vietnam is stronger. But we have a good coach. The team prepares well and will adapt to the match. I am not afraid to face Vietnam and hope for a good result."

The highest rated in the Laos team is Billy Ketkeophomphone, born in 1990 in France, having played for many clubs here such as Strasbourg, Angers, Auxerre... The 1.80 m tall striker was summoned to the Laos team in 2021. to play the AFF Cup 2020 (postponed for a year due to Covid-19), and made his debut in the 0-2 loss to Vietnam. Billy is expected to be the main striker at the AFF Cup 2022 but his performance is a big question mark when he has only played four matches in the year for Malaysian club Sri Pahang.

"It's no secret, it's true that Billy hasn't played for a long time. But he is still a dangerous player, with technique and experience. The striker moves well, so the ball can go to the right place." Coach Weiss shared when asked about the Lao-French striker.

The battle between Laos and Vietnam took place at 19:30 on December 21.