As Thailand prepares to face Vietnam in the first leg of the Asean Cup 2024 final on January 2 at Viet Tri Stadium, head coach Masatada Ishii revealed his team’s strategy to counter Vietnam’s star player Nguyen Xuan Son. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on January 1, Ishii expressed confidence in his squad while acknowledging the challenges posed by their opponents.
“First, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2025,” Ishii began. “In this final, Thailand will face a very strong team in Vietnam. During the semifinals against the Philippines, we lost the first leg but managed to recover. We hope to achieve a better result this time to meet the expectations of our fans.”
Reflecting on the evolution of Vietnam’s team, Ishii noted, “I cannot compare the current Vietnam team to the one we faced in September because they have undergone many changes since then. However, from an individual perspective, I believe Nguyen Xuan Son is Vietnam’s best player at the moment.”
Tactical Preparations for Nguyen Xuan Son
When asked about his approach to handling Xuan Son, Ishii hinted at a detailed plan but remained tight-lipped about specifics. “We have prepared a strategy to limit Xuan Son’s effectiveness, but I cannot share the details as this is a tactical secret. You’ll see it in the match.”
Nguyen Xuan Son has been a standout performer for Vietnam throughout the tournament, and his role will be pivotal in the final. Thailand’s ability to contain him could significantly influence the outcome of the match.
Anticipation for a Southeast Asian Classic
Ishii, who has been at the helm of Thailand’s national team for just over a year, expressed excitement about the significance of the matchup. “Although I haven’t had many experiences as Thailand’s coach, I understand why people call this clash between Thailand and Vietnam the Southeast Asian Super Derby. I’m looking forward to an exciting contest between the two teams.”
The highly anticipated first leg of the Asean Cup 2024 final will kick off at 8:00 p.m. on January 2, 2025. Fans are eager to witness this battle between two of Southeast Asia’s football powerhouses as they vie for regional supremacy. Thailand’s tactical adjustments and their plan to counter Nguyen Xuan Son will undoubtedly be key storylines as the match unfolds.
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