"Not just this game but every game is challenging. There was a certain pressure in the semifinals and fortunately the team were able to overcome it. Of course, there are still many shortcomings, but this is still an opportunity for the team to improve. Overall, my players have given their best. As the head coach, I want to thank them and the fans for supporting us," Park said in a conference after the game on Thursday.
Vietnam were rated higher than Malaysia, but they had trouble finding a way through the opponent’s solid defense and only sealed victory with the goal of Nguyen Tien Linh in extra time. This has happened a few times in the group stage when Vietnam faced defensive teams like Philippines and Myanmar.
"I always want the players to follow through with my strategy and the game to go as planned. But it’s football and sometimes things don’t go the way we want. The players also tried to follow the tactics. Nonetheless, result is the most important thing. Now we have to focus on the final with Thailand. I have watched videos of Thailand and analyzed them. From tomorrow, I will begin researching and finding the best strategy for the team in the final," he said.
In SEA Games this year, the group A matches and the second semifinal were held in Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho. Vietnam have received immense support from local fans in every game. The team will return to My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi to play the final. Therefore, Park wants to thank the fans in Phu Tho.
"This is the toughest game of Vietnam so far and the support from the fans have given us power to claim good results," Park said.