HOSTS VIETNAM IN HIGH SPIRIT FOR AFF FUTSAL

HO CHI MINH CITY (6 June 2009) – Hosts Vietnam are in high spirit ahead of their opening game against the Philippines in the AFF Futsal Championship on 8-14 June at the Phu Tho Gymnasium.

Following what was felt as a successful outing in a ten-day training stint in Thailand, the Vietnamese squad are confident of reaching the semi-finals this year.

“The players gained a lot of experience from this trip and their physical strength improved,” said Pattaya Piemkum, the head coach of Vietnam.

Added captain Ha Bao Minh: “The team’s defensive ability, ball control and confidence improved a lot after the training trip in Thailand.”

Apart from the Philippines, the hosts will also face East Timor and Brunei.

“The Philippines are a strong team in the group. They are physically strong and have a lot of experience in international competitions,” added Piemkum.

“However, Vietnamese futsal has shown great improvement and if players are in-form, they should be able to beat the Philippines to top the group.”