NO CHANGE IN GAME PLAN: SOULIVANH

Laos made sure of their place in the last two of the meet when they beat Indonesia 3-0 in the semi-finals yesterday while Thailand overcame defending champions Vietnam 2-0 in the other match.

Laos head coach Soulivanh Xuenvilay, whose team scored a record when they beat Indonesia for the first time ever yesterday, said that they will also be looking towards doing the same against Thailand but insisted they will not change the way they play.

“It will be a very hard game against a very experienced team – I understand that,” said Soulivanh.

“But we will play with the same kind of vigour and determination as we have done in our previous matches and we will not change our game plan against Thailand.

“All that we can do is to put up our best team while to win or otherwise is beyond prediction. We will only know that after the match.”

For Thailand head coach Prayoung Khunan, he refused to regard his team as the favourites for the title when they head into the final against Laos at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.

He said that Laos can no longer be regarded as light weight as they have done very well to progress into their first ever AFF Under-17 Championship final match.

“The truth is that the Laos team have been playing together for quite some time – that is why you can see the fluidity in movement and the level of understanding,” added Prayoung.

“They are a very good side but I expect Thailand to be champion. If there’s anything which is a guarantee, it is that it will be a very good game.

“I hope that the fans will come to watch the match tomorrow which I think will set a certain standard in the tournament.”

ADDITIONAL QUOTES FOR THIRD and FOURTH PLACING MATCH

“We will not have three players for the match against Indonesia because of suspensions. And even though we will have to settle to play for the third and fourth placing, I hope that we can still put up a good show which is important.” – Vietnam head coach Dinh Hong Vinh.

“Whatever happens in the game tomorrow (against Vietnam), one thing is for sure and that is the players in the team have a very bright future ahead. This tournament has allowed the players the chance to look at themselves and grow.” – Indonesia team manager Demis Djamaoeddin.

FIXTURES on September 1, 2007 (All matches at the National Olympic Stadium)

THIRD and FOURTH PLACING (0800): VIETNAM vs INDONESIA

FINAL (1500): LAOS vs THAILAND

PIC: Soulivanh Xuenvilay, the head coach of LAOS (left) with Prayoung Khunan, the head coach of THAILAND (right)