India will go all out for a win
Though a draw is enough to ensure the team's passage to the semi-finals, India will go
for a win when they take on Vietnam under-23 in their last
league match of the LG Cup football tournament in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday.
India's path to the last-four stage has been made easier
by Singapore's surprise 2-1 victory over Vietnam under-23
on Sunday, but coach Stephen Constantine said he is not aiming
for just a draw.
"In our first match, we dominated against Singapore but
had to share points. That is a match we should have won. We
have surely learnt from that experience," Constantine said
referring to India's 2-2 draw with Singapore in the opening
match.
"Tomorrow, I would like that experience to be reflected in
the team's performance. If that happens I am positive India
will come out victorious," he said.
Though, Vietnam under-23 will enjoy an advantage of
playing before the home crowd, Constantine said the Indian
team is well prepared and doing well.
The coach pointed out that the victory would not only put
the team in the right frame of mind ahead of stiffer battles
but also ensure that they meet a relatively weaker team in the
semi-finals.
The Vietnam U-23 side, on the other hand, is bracing itself
up for a better performance after their loss to
Singapore.
"We didn't play well yesterday and we lost one player
early. But I hope we do better against India tomorrow," said
Latard, coach of Vietnam U-23 team.
While their Under-23 team has an uphill task tomorrow,
Vietnam's national team is likely to have a cakewalk against
the Thailand under-20 side in the other match of the day.
The national team, which defeated Indonesia 3-1 in their
first match, are easily the best side in this tournament and
they would definitely like to reinforce their superiority
tomorrow.
As was evident in their match against Indonesia,
they have skillful players in all departments - defence,
midfield and attack - and would be a tough nut to crack for
Thailand team.
Thailand had a good outing against Indonesia yesterday
even though the youngsters went down 0-2. Coach Chanvit said
he felt proud of his wards after yesterday's match.
"My team lost due to inexperience. We could have easily
put away the goals with a little more experience. I am
confident that my team will play better in their final match
against the Vietnam national team," he said.