HANOI (16 Feb 2012) – Sergio Gargelli , the chief coach of the Vietnam national Futsal team, feels that the match against Malaysia in the qualifying round of the ASEAN zone of the AFC Futsal Championship next week will be decisive for their progress into tournament proper.
Vietnam are placed in Group B alongside Malaysia, Cambodia and also powerhouse Australia. They will play all their matches at the Krungthep Indoor Stadium in Thailand.
“It is not an easy group and if we want to qualify for the semifinals, the first match against Malaysia will be both difficult and decisive,” said Gargelli (pix).
“But I believe Vietnam can qualify. Although we only have three weeks to prepare, we have made good progress.”
Following the extension of his contract until 2012, Gargelli and his team has been hard at work for the qualifying competition which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand.
“The important thing is that the players are completely relaxed and ready for the match. They will have to give one hundred percent or even more to reach the last four,” added Gargelli
Group A are hosts Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines. The two top teams in each group at the end of the preliminary stage will progress into the semi-finals and then on to the final. Only the top three teams from the ASEAN zone will qualify for the AFC Futsal Championships 2012.
The AFC Futsal Championship 2012 will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates on 12-22 May 2012.
AFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 – Qualifying Round ASEAN Zone
Group A: Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand
Group B: Australia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam
