VietNamaNet Bridge - For Vietnam’s coach Henrique Calisto, the backline has become a headache ahead of the Suzuki Cup semifinal against Malaysia on December 15 after two key defenders sustained injuries.

Right-back Quang Thanh badly injured his left shin during the group B Suzuki Cup clash against Singapore in Hanoi Wednesday.

It is bruised and badly swollen, according to the team’s medical staff, who added that left-back Viet Cuong is in even worse condition after tearing a back ligament.

Dinh Luat and Dinh Dong may come in for the two but the Portuguese-born coach said they are not as good as the injured duo at setting up attacks.

They are not good at overlapping either, a proven tactic for Vietnam at this year’s tournament, he added.

Besides the injuries, the coach is also worried about the decline in form of central defender Nhu Thanh.

Source: Tuoi Tre

Thanh, considered the best defender by former HAGL coach Nguyen Van Vinh, was beaten time and again by Philippine striker Philip Younghusband during their match last week. The Philippines beat Vietnam 2-0.

Vietnam and Malaysia will play over two legs on December 15 and 18. Indonesia and the Philippines will play in the other semifinal.