VietNamNet Bridge – Chief coach Calisto of the national football squad said that the team is facing many difficulties but he believes that Vietnam will enter the semi-finals of the ASEAN Football Cup (AFF Cup) 2010.

Vietnam’s capabilities are in doubt even though it participates in the tournament as the current champion. After defeating U23 Kuwait at the Thang Long-Hanoi Football Cup in October, the team failed to win any of its succeeding friendly matches.

The team’s top strikers, Van Quyen and Cong Vinh, are injured and will be absent at the AFF Cup. The remaining striker Viet Thang is also injured and is unlikely to have a timely recovery for the game.

“There are many difficulties with the line-up. I have to deal with the absence of Cong Vinh to continue the aspiration of winning for my players… There are many issues that I have to solve before the AFF Cup,” Calisto said.

But the coach shows trust in his team. “I don’t underestimate any rival. Singapore and Myanmar are major rivals in the first round. But the Philippines has many naturalized players and they can might surprise us. However, the situation is manageable. We will overcome the first round. At this moment, we need fans’ support. Fans, let’s go to stadiums to cheer on the national team to overcome this difficult time,” he said.

The team currently has 25 members. Calisto will have to reject three on December 1. “This is a hard decision because all players have tried at their best to show off their ability. I have no choice and I hope that the players who are rejected will maintain their aspiration to join the team next time,” he added.

It is rumored that Ngoc Dieu, Minh Duc and Duy Quang will be rejected from the team.

Coach Calisto had good news on November 30. Fullback Quang Thanh is recovered from injuries very quickly and he is eligible to participate in the opening game on December 2. Goalkeeper Duong Hong Son’s is also recovering from his hand injury.

Striker Viet Thang will be unable to play the first match. Calisto may use striker Anh Duc, a member of the U23 team.

The Vietnamese national team had their last drilling practice today, before their match against Myanmar at 7: 30 pm on December 2 at My Dinh national stadium.

PV