Futsal

Vietnamese players train on April 20. They will play Thailand in the last group stage match on April 21. Photo courtesy of VFF

HÀ NỘI - Diego Giustozzi wants not only one, but three points when Việt Nam play powerful Thailand at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup on April 21 in Bangkok.

After one win and one draw in Group A, Việt Nam are in second place and need one point from the last match to advance to the next stage. Meanwhile Thailand, with six points, lead the standings by a two-point margin over Việt Nam and have already qualified.

Giustozzi, however, wants to give the hosts, one of the strongest continental rivals, a tough match with top spot in the group on the line.

“We will not aim to get one point, but to play to the best of our ability," he said.

"We can push the team to keep pressing on every play. This is risky because our opponent can fight back and score. However, we will have appropriate adjustments depending on the situation on the court.

"Thailand are a strong team, definitely. They have played futsal for many years and they are on home ground.

“They are good team with good players. How do we overcome them? The only way is to limit their strong points. I am pretty sure that Thailand will apply open play in this match and I think it would be good for Việt Nam. We prefer this style more than those who play low defence with a large number of players."

Giustozzi also acknowledged that his team’s attack, which is averaging just one goal per game, must improve.

“We created many opportunities but needed to be calmer with our final passes and shots. The results could have been better in the last two matches if we finished off our chances,” admitted Giustozzi.

“I think this is normal when you are playing in a World Cup qualifying tournament, where the pressure is high, but I hope the whole team will be calmer and finish their chances better against Thailand.”

After training on April 20, Giustozzi said his players were in a good mood and comfortable with the conditions. They all look forward to the next games and will try to do better than previously.

The Argentinean tactician also said physique was not a problem for Việt Nam as they were the team with best preparation.

Thailand head coach Miguel Rodrigo, however, will ensure his team are not sitting on their laurels ahead of the Southeast Asian derby and has only one target in mind.

Suphawut Thueanklang celebrates after scoring for Thailand in their 5-0 win over Myanmar on April 19. Photo courtesy of AFC

“Our first target in the tournament is to finish in first position in the group,” said Rodrigo. “The reason for that is it will send a message to all the other teams that we are the hosts, we are Thailand, we are one of the favourites in the competition.”

“I know Việt Nam very well, they are my former team, and I know head coach Diego [Giustozzi] very well, he’s like my brother, my former player when I was his coach back in Spain. It will be a special game for both of us, it’s an ASEAN rivalry – a classico! – and I will have to control my emotions.”

History is on Thailand's side as they have won most of the matches against Việt Nam. Their only defeat was at the Southeast Asian Championship in 2014. VNS