Singapore is set to host the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 semifinals against the Vietnam national team on December 26 at the Jalan Besar Stadium. The venue, with an artificial turf surface and a seating capacity of approximately 6,000 spectators, is expected to replace the National Stadium for this high-stakes encounter.
The change in venue comes as the National Stadium is unavailable due to a concert by renowned singer Lin Jun Jie, scheduled for December 28 and 29. With preparations for the event likely to occupy the venue in the days leading up to the concert, Singapore has turned to the smaller but historic Jalan Besar Stadium to accommodate the anticipated clash.
The Jalan Besar Stadium, known for its compact and intimate atmosphere, presents a unique challenge for visiting teams. The artificial turf could also be a factor, as it differs significantly from the natural grass surfaces typically preferred by most teams, including Vietnam. Despite its limited capacity compared to the National Stadium, the venue has hosted many significant matches in Singapore’s football history, making it a fitting stage for a semifinal showdown.
Vietnam, under the leadership of coach Philippe Troussier, will need to adapt quickly to the conditions at Jalan Besar. The team will aim to secure a positive result before returning home for the second leg, where the full support of their fans awaits.
Meanwhile, Singapore will look to capitalize on their familiarity with the artificial turf and the home-field advantage provided by their passionate supporters. With both teams eyeing a spot in the final, the first leg promises to be a tightly contested affair.
The ASEAN Cup 2024 semifinals have already garnered significant attention, and this change in venue adds another layer of intrigue. Fans from both nations are eagerly counting down to December 26, anticipating an exciting and competitive start to the semifinal stage.
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