Shortly after arriving in Singapore this afternoon, the Vietnam national team wasted no time and stepped onto the training field in the evening to prepare for their ASEAN Cup 2024 semi-final first leg against Singapore. Despite light rain and less-than-ideal conditions, Coach Kim Sang Sik and his squad were determined to familiarize themselves with the playing environment.
Vietnam will have two full days to prepare for the critical first leg at Jalan Besar Stadium, scheduled for December 26. With the exception of Nguyen Van Toan, who is sidelined with a knee injury, the team is at full strength.
The decision to travel to Singapore early was strategic, allowing the players to rest after the journey and acclimatize to the weather and playing surface. Notably, Jalan Besar features artificial turf, a factor that Vietnam must adapt to in their training sessions.
Throughout the group stage, Coach Kim implemented a rotation strategy, ensuring most of the squad gained starting experience. Only three of the 26 registered players have yet to start a match. This approach not only kept the team fresh amid a grueling schedule of matches every three days but also provided opportunities for more players to showcase their abilities.
The semi-final against Singapore presents a unique challenge as Vietnam aims to capitalize on their preparation and maintain their momentum from the group stage. Fans eagerly await the clash, hopeful that the team’s adaptability and determination will lead to a strong performance in the first leg.
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