BANGKOK (26 April 2012) –The word that is going around town is that Thailand will surely win the AFF Futsal Championship title for the eighth time tomorrow. That’s the sort of aura the Thai futsal team has created here following a week of absolutely dominant performances. Their superior skills have seen them reel in a whopping 85 goals in just five matches.
Yet, coach Vic Hermans has warned that while his team have had a great run here, they will be facing their toughest opponent in the tournament thus far. The Vietnamese have proven to be a strong side with superb speed and skill. Although 20 rungs below 45th ranked Indonesia, Vietnam upset the formbook when they won the semi-finals 5-3.
After watching Vietnam in action, it’s no surprise that the Thai coach is a little concerned.
“We have scored many goals but we have also missed many chances. Against Malaysia in the semi-finals, I was not too happy with the many misses. This is because you will not have that many chances against the stronger teams,” said Hermans.
“There is no doubt Vietnam will give us a tough time and we will not have that many opportunities to score. So the boys must make full use of whatever chances they have or we could end up paying a heavy price.”
Going down to Vietnam is almost unthinkable as Thailand, ranked 11th in the world, should be in good form as they prepare for the FIFA Futsal World Cup to be held in Thailand later this year. And to lose to Vietnam at this stage could cause a serious dent in their confidence and overall preparations.
“Thailand are the favourites for sure but I think that after the performance against Indonesia (in the semi-finals), we are playing Futsal the way I feel we could,” said Sergio Gargelli, the chief coach of Vietnam.
“We need to keep up with the pressure game and make full use of whatever chances we have.”
AFF FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2012
SEMI-FINALS FIXTURES and RESULTS
|
Date |
Match
No. |
Group |
Match |
Time |
Venue |
SCORE |
|
| 25-
Apr-12 |
21
22 |
SF1
SF2 |
Vietnam vs Indonesia
Thailand vs Malaysia |
1400
1700 |
Bangkok Thonburi | 5 – 3
12 – 1 |
|
| 26–Apr | Rest Day | ||||||
| 27-
Apr-12 |
23
24 |
3rd/4th
Final |
Indonesia vs Malaysia
Vietnam vs Thailand |
1400
1700 |
Bangkok Thonburi | ||
