Midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai has recovered from injury and is ready to join the Vietnam national team in pursuing victory in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup semifinals in Singapore.
After securing the top spot in Group B, Quang Hai and his teammates have arrived in Singapore to prepare for the semifinal clash scheduled at 8:00 PM on December 26 at Jalan Besar Stadium.
The vice-captain of the Vietnamese team shared: “We’ve arrived here and experienced a different climate, with humid and rainy weather in Singapore. However, the training atmosphere within the team remains very positive. Everyone is approaching the first-leg semifinal with excitement.
“Following the match against Myanmar, I experienced some muscle issues and needed time to fully recover. As of today, I feel much better and am ready to train with the team,” Quang Hai added.
The team received additional good news as injured players Hai Long and Ngoc Tan have returned to training. This gives coach Kim Sang-sik more options, with 25 out of 26 players fit for action, except for Van Toan, who is sidelined with a ligament injury.
Beyond the weather, the artificial turf at Jalan Besar poses a significant challenge. At the 2024 ASEAN Cup, coach Park Hang-seo’s squad was held to a goalless draw in Singapore. More recently, Xuan Son and Van Vi played to a 3-3 draw at the same venue against Tampines Rovers during the AFC Champions League Two.
Quang Hai commented: “We’re preparing thoroughly, setting aside the challenges posed by the artificial turf to aim for the best result. Today, we trained on the artificial pitch to regain our rhythm.
“We’ve had prior experience playing on artificial surfaces, so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. As a team, we are adapting our style of play according to the coaching staff’s instructions. Each player is focused on honing their individual skills to perform well under these conditions. Personally, I aim to step onto the pitch feeling comfortable and ready to perform my best.”
Discussing his new teammate Xuan Son, Quang Hai added: “Xuan Son is a player who connects the team’s gameplay and makes his teammates feel at ease. While we still have the second leg at home, our focus is on achieving the best possible result in the first leg—a victory.”
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