AFC U23 Asian Cup
Encouraged by his side’s improvement in the past two matches that saw them top Group C ahead of defending champions Saudi Arabia, Shenaishil is ready to assume the favourites tag but admits that a different strategy will be needed to combat Vietnam’s strengths.
“The knockout will be different from the group stage, we respect Vietnam and will have to work to get a good result,” said the 57-year-old.
“Iraq are playing well and we are the favourites to be in the semi-final and this is a chance to make our fans happy."
#AFCU23 | Quarter Finals Preview
“East and West Asian football is different. East (teams) depend on playing quickly. Saudi played with more quality and skill. So it will be two very different games for us.
“We saw their three games in the group stage, they have disciplined players and are a good team. We will have our methods to face them and we hope to win.”
Despite losing to Uzbekistan in their final Group D match, Vietnam head coach Hoang Anh Tuan was keen to stress that the result will have little significance on the quarter-final against Iraq.
Hoang made eight changes to the starting lineup against Uzbekistan and will surely field his best players against Iraq as Vietnam look to reach the semi-final stage for the second time in their history.
Khuat Van Khang and Nguyen Van Tung are among those likely to play from the start with Hoang confident that his team can spring surprise Iraq.
“Yes, in the past we played against Iraq and lost but it’s the past,” said Hoang. “Both teams have a chance but only one team can go to the semi-finals.
“The match with Uzbekistan will not have an impact on our preparations. Iraq also lost to Thailand earlier, that does not mean Iraq is weak, only means that anything can happen.
“There are many elements in football that can decide a match, not only who’s stronger or weaker on paper.”
Iraq v Vietnam
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah)
Kick-off: Friday, 20:30 (UTC+3)
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah)
Kick-off: Friday, 20:30 (UTC+3)
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