Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Vice President Doan Nguyen Duc said its U-22 team is targeting the gold medal at the upcoming SEA Games, and the team is not afraid of a difficult group stage draw.
Previously, 2017 SEA Games hosts Malaysia have proposed a controversial drawing method which allowed them to select their own group after other teams have been drawn. With Thailand already slated in group A and Myanmar in group B, it is possible that Malaysia would be able to avoid tougher opponents in the group stage.
However, Vietnam U-22 are ready to face Thailand, as well as any other team in the tournament, according to Doan Nguyen Duc.
“This Vietnam squad are not afraid of Thailand or any other team. This team have already defeated Thailand several times before, on U19 as well as U21 level. It shouldn’t be a problem if we have to face them”, Duc said, as quoted by Vietnamnet.
Vietnam have never won the gold medal for men’s football at SEA Games before.