HARD TO PREDICT

All four teams – Thailand up against Vietnam and Laos facing Indonesia – have all proven that they are deserving of a place in the last four of the championship with their brand of attacking football.

Surprise package Laos, who delivered a shocker when they beat Vietnam in their last match to win the Group yesterday, realised perhaps that the semi-finals will be a totally different ball game – a thought not lost on head coach Soulivanh Xuenvilay.

“The last time we made the semi-finals of any tournament was back in 2000 and even though the team have been playing well together, we have to be better tomorrow against Indonesia, so that we can play in the final this year,” said Soulivanh, whose team will play their semi-final match against Indonesia simultaneously at the National Olympic Stadium.

“We have never beaten Indonesia before in any age-group competitions, so that will be an added incentive for us to play at a higher level in the semi-final.”

For Indonesia, they are taking the unassuming approach to their match against Laos with team manager Demis Djamaoeddin saying that regardless of whatever happens in the game; the important thing is that his players have all gained invaluable international experience.

“It is a good achievement that Laos won the group but we have to realise that Indonesia is a very young team,” added Demis.

“We only had some five days of preparation before coming here although of course for the match against Laos, we will try our very best to make sure that the players all rise to the demands.”

For Thailand, their quiet confidence betrays what was said at the press conference with head coach Prayoung Khunan preferring to pile on the accolade on Vietnam instead of focusing on his team.

“All four teams in the semi-finals are strong,” said Khunan, whose team will face Vietnam at the Army Stadium.

“For me, I’m just glad that we have made the semi-finals and hope that we can play our best tomorrow.”

Vietnam head coach Dinh Hong Vinh responded by saying that with no injuries to his squad, he hopes that both teams can put up a good show for all the fans who will come to watch the game.

“The Thais are very experienced, so I believe that it will be a good game,” added Hong Vinh.

“Traditionally, matches between Vietnam and Thailand had always been very close and that is what I expect tomorrow.”

SEMI-FINALS FIXTURES

August 30, 2007 with kick-off for both matches at 1500

THAILAND vs VIETNAM at the ARMY STADIUM

LAOS vs INDONESIA at the NATIONAL OLYMPIC STADIUM

PIC: Team managers’ meeting