MORE THAN JUST A PREPARATORY MEET

Hosts Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and South Korea will battle it out at the Thong Nhat Stadium with an eye on the crown while the other firmly on the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Under-19 Championship in China in October.

Vietnam chief coach Trieu Quang Ha said that the tournament ’is very good against three strong opponents.’

“We will try our very best to do well in this tournament as part of our preparation for the meet in China.”

Taryn Rockall, the team manager for Australia, admitted as much.

“This tournament is a good stepping stone towards the meet in China where we can use it to better prepare our team,” said Rockall.

Added South Korea’s assistant coach Seo Hyo-won: “it is an honour to play against these good teams.

“We did not have a good period of time to prepare for this meet but with the players that we have, we hope that we can win the competition.”

Thailand ‘s chief coach Chalermvud Sangnapol in the meantime feels that it will be a lot harder for them to defend the title they won last year.

Thailand beat Australia in the final of the championship in 2009 to lift the crown.

“We have some problems getting the players that we want,” added Chalermvud.

“But the championship is good for the development of our team and this will allow us the chance to look at some of the other lads in preparation for China.”

The first game of the championship at the Thong Nhat Stadium tomorrow will see Australia taking on South Korea (1600hrs local time) with hosts Vietnam playing Thailand (1830hrs) in the second game of the day.

FIXTURES and RESULTS

24 July: Australia vs. South Korea (1600hrs)/ Vietnam vs. Thailand (1830hrs)

26 July: Thailand vs. Australia (1600hrs)/ South Korea vs. Vietnam (1830hrs)

28 July: South Korea vs. Thailand (1600hrs)/ Vietnam vs. Australia (1830hrs)

30 July: 3rd position vs. 4th position (1600hrs)/ winner vs. runner-up (1830hrs)