Preview - Group D: Vietnam v Yemen

Al Ain: Vietnam head coach Park Hang-Seo is confident of bagging the three points against Yemen when the two sides clash in their final AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group D tie at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.

Both teams have yet to earn a point in the Continental showpiece with Vietnam having the higher chance of qualifying as one of the best four third-placed teams - based on a better goal difference.

Park is well aware of the task faced by his Vietnam team but the Korea Republic national is confident of landing all three points against Yemen.

“Yemen are the same as us, they need the three points. Our team will give everything we’ve got to earn the three points tomorrow. My team knows what we want and we are aiming to win,” said the 60-year-old.

“Depending on my players’s condition, there will be no big changes in the lineup, the best will start tomorrow against Yemen and we will strive to get the positive result.

“I choose players who are prepared physically and mentally and those who are familiar with the opponents."

Vietnam were headed for draw in their opener against Iraq but were dramatically edged 3-2 in the final minute and the Golden Dragons fell 2-0 against Islamic Republic of Iran on Matchday 2.

“Every match is important to us and Yemen is no different, I fielded attacking players in my lineup against Islamic Republic of Iran, we will see how it goes against Yemen.

“Yemen are a strong side, so we expect them to play a tough match. We’ve done some analysis on their team and they are a good side. But my team’s fighting spirit is stronger than Yemen’s and we can win.

“I really appreciate the effort shown by the Vietnamese fans who are living in the United Arab Emirates. They have given us great support and really want us to succeed."

Jan Kocian believes his Yemen team can finally break their goal scoring duck against Vietnam and the 60-year-old is confident of his players ability when they take on the 2018 AFF champions.

“We have analysed the Vietnam team...they often play 5-2-3. We are prepared for this game and I believe my players are ready to earn their first win.

“In both of our previous games we conceded early goals, 3-0 (against Iran) and 2-0 (against Iraq). My players may be a little inexperienced at this level but we are slowly improving.

“The team is a little down after suffering our second loss. We have to start better against Vietnam, stay focused and play more compact football.

“I know we can play better. The slogan on our team bus reads ‘Never give up’, so I believe this will be our chance to shine and put in a good performance."


Source: the-afc.com