“Vietnam is in Group B with three-time winner Thailand, Malaysia and the winner of the qualifier set to be played in Bangkok in October,” said Vietnam Football Federation’s (VFF) Vice Chairman Duong Vu Lam, who attended the draw.
“Facing the mighty Thai team in the group stage will help us shape our plans.”
VFF’s General Secretary Tran Quoc Tuan, who also attended the draw, heaved a sigh of relief, saying: “Prior to the draw, I was afraid that Vietnam would be placed in the same group with Thailand and Singapore, because Singapore has become much stronger with foreign players becoming naturalized.”
According to VFF Chairman Nguyen Trong Hy, it was fortunate for Vietnam not to be in Group A – a death group – with host Indonesia and three-time AFF winner Singapore.
But national team head coach Calisto doesn’t think the road ahead will be easy for the Vietnamese players.
“I have watched the Thai team play. I know their strengths and weaknesses. As I have said before, Thailand is the mightiest in the region.
“Some reporters have phoned me to ask which teams we want to avoid. My response is we don’t want to avoid any team as they all are strong, except maybe for Thailand as they are the strongest,” Calisto said.
Reported by Lan Phuong |
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