Vietnam-Thailand exhibition of modern art opens

An exhibition showcasing almost 80 modern works of art made from
different materials commonly found in Vietnam and Thailand has
opened at Thailand ’s National Gallery in the capital Bangkok .

The event is organised under the 2010 Memorandum of
understanding on cooperation in organising exhibitions for artists from
11 universities in Vietnam and Thailand .

The
Vietnamese universities include the Vietnam Fine Arts
University , the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts University and Hue
’s Arts University . Thailand is represented by Thammasat
University , Silpakorn University , Chiang Mai University ,
Ragiamagala Technology University and Khon Kaen University .

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Associate
Professor and Dean of the painting, sculpture and graphic arts
department at Silpakorn University , Parinya Tantisuk said that the
exhibition will strengthen relations and mutual understanding between
the two nations as well as artists from the universities taking part.

According to Truong Cong Nguyen, Dean of the painting
theory and history department at the Vietnam Fine Arts University, many
of the Vietnamese artists had won national awards, ASEAN awards and
several international awards./.

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Malaysia through, Thailand exit from AFF cup

(L-R) Indonesia's Ahmad Bustomi, Bambang Pamungkas and Irfan Haarys Bachdim celebrate after beating Thailand during their qualifying round soccer match at the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup soccer tournament in Jakarta on Tuesday - Photo: Reuters

HCMC – 2008 runners-up Thailand ended their campaign at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 after losing 1-2 to hosts Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday while Malaysia secured another semifinal’s ticket as they crushed Laos 5-1.

It was the biggest surprise after the favorite Thailand dropped out of the tournament though the Thais joined the tournament aiming for their fourth AFF title.

The match between Indonesia and their bitter rivals Thailand attracted much attention from the public. The Thai side wanted a victory to qualify for the semifinals in the make-or-break match while the hosts, who had already took the semifinals berth as the group leader, showed a great determination to win the game.

The hosts started the game without midfielder Firman Utina in their lineups and Thailand began the game with strongest players, including midfielder Thonglao and strikers Dangda and Kirati. 

The visiting team dominated the game from the first minutes and they placed more pressure on their opponents aiming to open the score while the Indonesian players played defensively and relied on rare counter attacks.

With strong attacks, Thai players created some scoring chances in the first half but their players lost all the chances, leaving the score at 0-0 upon the referee’s whistle at the end of the half.

After the break, Thailand continuously organized more attacks on Indonesian defending lines but the Thais had to wait until the 68th minute when Suree Sukha opened for his team with a superb kick from inside the box. 

However, two late goals by veteran Bampang Pamungkas destroyed a victory for three-time champions Thailand. Substitution Bampang made no mistake in two penalty kicks in the 80th and 88th minutes to seal Indonesia’s third win from as many matches.

Meanwhile, both Malaysia and Laos began the game quickly, Malaysia having a good chance in the first minutes and Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal opened the score for his team just four minutes into the game with a header.

Lamnao Singto leveled for Laos just four minutes later with an unstoppable header before Amri helped the Malaysian side advance in the 41st minute after receiving the ball from Norshahrul from the right wing.

The Malaysian side dominated throughout the second, substitution Bin Zainal restoring the lead in the 74th minute and Bin Talaha netting for Malaysia just three minutes later before Bin Jasuli finalized the game at 5-1 in the 90th minute.     

With the victory, Malaysia went through to the semifinals as the group runners-up, five points behind leaders Indonesia. Third-placed Thailand had two points and bottom-placed Laos just had one point.

Group B will be decided on Wednesday when co-hosts Vietnam take on three-time champions Singapore at My Dinh National Stadium at 7:30 p.m. and the Philippines meet Myanmar at Nam Dinh’s Thien Truong Stadium in the same time.

The hosts, who lost 0-2 to Philippines on Sunday, must win to book a place in the semifinals while the Philippines just need a draw with their opponents to guarantee their progress to the last four stage.    

After two games, the Philippines and Singapore have four points each but the Philippines topped the standings of group B thanks to the goal difference. Third-placed Vietnam secured three points from one win and one loss, whereas Myanmar exited from the tournament with two losses.

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Malaysia through, Thailand exit from AFF cup

(L-R) Indonesia's Ahmad Bustomi, Bambang Pamungkas and Irfan Haarys Bachdim celebrate after beating Thailand during their qualifying round soccer match at the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup soccer tournament in Jakarta on Tuesday - Photo: Reuters

HCMC – 2008 runners-up Thailand ended their campaign at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 after losing 1-2 to hosts Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday while Malaysia secured another semifinal’s ticket as they crushed Laos 5-1.

It was the biggest surprise after the favorite Thailand dropped out of the tournament though the Thais joined the tournament aiming for their fourth AFF title.

The match between Indonesia and their bitter rivals Thailand attracted much attention from the public. The Thai side wanted a victory to qualify for the semifinals in the make-or-break match while the hosts, who had already took the semifinals berth as the group leader, showed a great determination to win the game.

The hosts started the game without midfielder Firman Utina in their lineups and Thailand began the game with strongest players, including midfielder Thonglao and strikers Dangda and Kirati. 

The visiting team dominated the game from the first minutes and they placed more pressure on their opponents aiming to open the score while the Indonesian players played defensively and relied on rare counter attacks.

With strong attacks, Thai players created some scoring chances in the first half but their players lost all the chances, leaving the score at 0-0 upon the referee’s whistle at the end of the half.

After the break, Thailand continuously organized more attacks on Indonesian defending lines but the Thais had to wait until the 68th minute when Suree Sukha opened for his team with a superb kick from inside the box. 

However, two late goals by veteran Bampang Pamungkas destroyed a victory for three-time champions Thailand. Substitution Bampang made no mistake in two penalty kicks in the 80th and 88th minutes to seal Indonesia’s third win from as many matches.

Meanwhile, both Malaysia and Laos began the game quickly, Malaysia having a good chance in the first minutes and Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal opened the score for his team just four minutes into the game with a header.

Lamnao Singto leveled for Laos just four minutes later with an unstoppable header before Amri helped the Malaysian side advance in the 41st minute after receiving the ball from Norshahrul from the right wing.

The Malaysian side dominated throughout the second, substitution Bin Zainal restoring the lead in the 74th minute and Bin Talaha netting for Malaysia just three minutes later before Bin Jasuli finalized the game at 5-1 in the 90th minute.     

With the victory, Malaysia went through to the semifinals as the group runners-up, five points behind leaders Indonesia. Third-placed Thailand had two points and bottom-placed Laos just had one point.

Group B will be decided on Wednesday when co-hosts Vietnam take on three-time champions Singapore at My Dinh National Stadium at 7:30 p.m. and the Philippines meet Myanmar at Nam Dinh’s Thien Truong Stadium in the same time.

The hosts, who lost 0-2 to Philippines on Sunday, must win to book a place in the semifinals while the Philippines just need a draw with their opponents to guarantee their progress to the last four stage.    

After two games, the Philippines and Singapore have four points each but the Philippines topped the standings of group B thanks to the goal difference. Third-placed Vietnam secured three points from one win and one loss, whereas Myanmar exited from the tournament with two losses.

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Malaysia through, Thailand exit from AFF cup

(L-R) Indonesia's Ahmad Bustomi, Bambang Pamungkas and Irfan Haarys Bachdim celebrate after beating Thailand during their qualifying round soccer match at the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup soccer tournament in Jakarta on Tuesday - Photo: Reuters

HCMC – 2008 runners-up Thailand ended their campaign at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 after losing 1-2 to hosts Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday while Malaysia secured another semifinal’s ticket as they crushed Laos 5-1.

It was the biggest surprise after the favorite Thailand dropped out of the tournament though the Thais joined the tournament aiming for their fourth AFF title.

The match between Indonesia and their bitter rivals Thailand attracted much attention from the public. The Thai side wanted a victory to qualify for the semifinals in the make-or-break match while the hosts, who had already took the semifinals berth as the group leader, showed a great determination to win the game.

The hosts started the game without midfielder Firman Utina in their lineups and Thailand began the game with strongest players, including midfielder Thonglao and strikers Dangda and Kirati. 

The visiting team dominated the game from the first minutes and they placed more pressure on their opponents aiming to open the score while the Indonesian players played defensively and relied on rare counter attacks.

With strong attacks, Thai players created some scoring chances in the first half but their players lost all the chances, leaving the score at 0-0 upon the referee’s whistle at the end of the half.

After the break, Thailand continuously organized more attacks on Indonesian defending lines but the Thais had to wait until the 68th minute when Suree Sukha opened for his team with a superb kick from inside the box. 

However, two late goals by veteran Bampang Pamungkas destroyed a victory for three-time champions Thailand. Substitution Bampang made no mistake in two penalty kicks in the 80th and 88th minutes to seal Indonesia’s third win from as many matches.

Meanwhile, both Malaysia and Laos began the game quickly, Malaysia having a good chance in the first minutes and Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal opened the score for his team just four minutes into the game with a header.

Lamnao Singto leveled for Laos just four minutes later with an unstoppable header before Amri helped the Malaysian side advance in the 41st minute after receiving the ball from Norshahrul from the right wing.

The Malaysian side dominated throughout the second, substitution Bin Zainal restoring the lead in the 74th minute and Bin Talaha netting for Malaysia just three minutes later before Bin Jasuli finalized the game at 5-1 in the 90th minute.     

With the victory, Malaysia went through to the semifinals as the group runners-up, five points behind leaders Indonesia. Third-placed Thailand had two points and bottom-placed Laos just had one point.

Group B will be decided on Wednesday when co-hosts Vietnam take on three-time champions Singapore at My Dinh National Stadium at 7:30 p.m. and the Philippines meet Myanmar at Nam Dinh’s Thien Truong Stadium in the same time.

The hosts, who lost 0-2 to Philippines on Sunday, must win to book a place in the semifinals while the Philippines just need a draw with their opponents to guarantee their progress to the last four stage.    

After two games, the Philippines and Singapore have four points each but the Philippines topped the standings of group B thanks to the goal difference. Third-placed Vietnam secured three points from one win and one loss, whereas Myanmar exited from the tournament with two losses.

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Thailand the worst in the last two decades

Former captain of Thailand, Kiatisak Senamuang

Photo: Tuoi Tre

Managing to make two ties at the Southeast Asian Football Championship, Suzuki Cup and facing risks of being eliminated for the first time at the tournament, the national team of Thailand are judged the worst squad in the last two decades of the nation.

Kiatisak Senamuang, Thai former captain international and coach of Vietnam’s top-flight club Hoang Anh Gia Lai, confirmed it to Tuoi Tre. He attributed the failure to fitness and preparations.

Thailand, the nine-time champions of Olympic-level Southeast Asian Games and three-time champions of Southeast Asian Football Championship, were held to 2-2 and 0-0 draws with Laos and Malaysia on December 7 and will play the last game in group A against hosts Indonesia with six points after two wins.

Malaysia and Laos, each holding a point, will face each other in the last group stage

Thai players are not in their best form and fitness, Kiatisak admitted.

“They played fouls 15 times with Malaysians due to their failure in fighting for the ball,” he admitted.

“In the last 20 years, Thai football has never fallen in such a trouble at such a regional tournament,” Kiatisak added.

Poor performance of Thailand was also attributed to preparations when players started their training camp around two weeks before the tourney.

“I will discuss why Thai football is on the decline later,” Kiatisak told Tuoi Tre.

Group A Standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Points
Indonesia	2	2	0	0	11	1	6
Thailand	2	0	2	0	2	2	2
Malaysia	2	0	1	1	1	5	1
Laos	2	0	1	1	2	8	1

 Group B Standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Points
Vietnam	1	1	0	0	7	1	3
Philippines	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Singapore	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Myanmar	1	0	0	1	1	7	0

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Indonesia rout Laos 6-0

Photo: AFF

Hosts Indonesia kept their AFF Suzuki Cup dreams on track when they sensationally swept Laos aside 6-0 last night to emerge champions of Group A even though they still have one more match to play.

Indonesia have six points while Thailand and Malaysia will have to fight for the remaining semifinal slot.

Thailand, one of the pre-tournament favourites, dug themselves into a spot when despite dominating the match ended up sharing points with Malaysia. With two points in the bag, Thailand now have to beat Indonesia to advance.

At the Gelora Bung Karno last night, in front of over 40,000 fans, Indonesia knew what they had to do and took the fight opened the floodgates with a 26th minute penalty converted by skipper Firman Utina. Muhammad Ridhwan doubled the score just seven minutes later and the score remained until the break.

Five minutes after resumption, Indonesia continued their spree with a superb strike from Firman, his second of the match. Irfan Harrys Bachdim struck his second goal of the event when he made a lovely run into the box, easing past his markers to make 4-0 in the 62nd minute. Substitute Arif Suyono scored six minutes after coming on for Ridhwan. The speedy Oktovianus Maniani completed the rout in the 80th minute.

“It was a big win and I credit the players for their untiring efforts. Although we are already in the semifinals, we will not take it easy against Thailand in our last match,” said Alfred Ridle, head coach of Indonesia.

For Laos the loss was a bitter blow following their superb performance against Thailand two days earlier. But as coach David Booth explained: “Against a team like Indonesia or for that matter Thailand or Malaysia, you just can’t afford to make mistakes, you have to minimize them. Unfortunately, we conceded a penalty and then the second goal. It was difficult for a team like ours to bounce back, we are not that strong.”

Booth said that instead of keeping the score down, the team decided to go for the game. “We did not sit back, unfortunately it did not work. And then we conceded the early goal in the second half.”

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Thais fire blanks to share points with Malaysia

Photo: AFF

Thailand made life difficult for themselves in the AFF Suzuki Cup when they were held to a 0-0 draw by an under-strength Malaysian side in the second Group A match at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium Saturday.

Thailand, who were surprisingly held by Laos in the opener on Wednesday, now have two points and must defeat hosts Indonesia in their final preliminary tie next Tuesday if they want to make the cut.

Malaysia, whipped 5-1 by Indonesia four days ago, on the other hand earned themselves a lifeline with the draw yesterday. They now have to beat Laos in two days, and also hope Thailand slip-up, to have a go of making the semifinals. But the draw did not come easy as the Malaysians had to absorb a barrage of strikes from the tireless Thais. The defenders performed well to turn it all away.

Thailand, which almost dominated much of the game, must have had at least 20 shots with one coming off the post, an indication that they were just short of some luck.

“It’s not frustrating any more, it seems like I getting used to watching the team completely dominate, create numerous opportunities and then waste them all. The last 15 minutes especially we had about four good chances including a possible penalty,” said a disappointed Bryan Robson, the Thai head coach. “It was another case of that tonight.”

“I would have liked to have won today but now we have to do things the hard way, it’s going to be a tough task to beat Indonesia at home,” Robson said. He added that his team had done enough in both matches but just did not score.

Thailand as expected fielded their best side, bringing in the talented midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao and Phitchitphong Choeichiu, striker Teerasil Dangda and tough-tackling defenders Natthapong Samana and Nataporn Phanrit. But to Robson’s dismay, the players were just not able to bring out their best. Many of the players are jaded after a long domestic season which only ended on November 28.

Realising they had to win, the Thais went on the offensive from the start but failed to finish anything they started. Malaysia too had some chances and could have actually stunned the Thais but Norsharul Idlan Talaha and Mohd Safee Sali missed several good chances. In the dying minutes, S. Kunalan had a brilliant chance to turn hero but his shot swept over the crossbar.

“We knew Thailand would field their best and we knew it would be difficult. To prepare for them, I made three changes including the goalkeeper. I told the boys that they must avoid making mistakes as the back and the defence did well today,” K. Rajagobal said.

“It was a tough first half as they attacked us, but in the second half we had more life and energy. We had some chances and I feel we should have scored earlier. However having scored first would have collected three points.”

On Laos, Rajagobal said they had shown they were no pushovers and expected yet another tough game next Tuesday.

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Vietnam U21 beat Thailand 3-1 at Thanh Nien Cup

Vietnam U21 players celebrate their goal during their Thanh Nien Newspaper Cup football match against Thailand U21 in HCMC on Wednesday - Photo: Ba Chau

HCMC –Vietnam U21 beat archrivals Thailand 3-1 in their last group stage match in the fourth International U-21 Football Tournament 2010, or Thanh Nien Newspaper Cup, on Wednesday. 

Before the game, both Vietnam and Thailand were drawn at three points as they had both thrashed their opponents in their openers, with the Thai’s 4-0 win over Myanmar on Monday and Vietnam’s thrashing of Myanmar 5-1 on Saturday.

Because of the goal difference, a draw would have been enough for the hosts to stay on top, while the Thais needed a victory to be group A leaders.

Vietnam, who began with nine changes from coach Dinh Van Dung after their win over Myanmar, showed great determination.

Heavy rain dampened the player’s attacks early in the first half leaving the Vietnamese crowd waiting till the 35th minute to celebrate, when Xuan Hieu took a kick in the penalty box beating Thai goalie, Yen Arom.

After the break, Vietnam kept possession and Duy Lam doubled for his team with a free kick from outside the penalty area just minutes in.

Duc Nhan scored for the Vietnamese side in the 65th minute before Pattana Sokjoho finalized the score at 3-1 in the 68th minute. 

With the victory, Vietnam U21 finished their group competition as group A leaders with six points from two wins, while runners-up Thailand stayed at three points from one win and one loss. Bottom-placed Singapore, who exited from the tournament, gained no points from two losses.  

In the earlier match on Wednesday, Vietnam U19 started the game with substitutes, but dominated against Malaysia U21. The visitors secured a late victory, to finish top of Group B, when striker Ravindran scored the only goal in the 86th minute. Despite the loss the Vietnam U19 will still go through to the semis.

Malaysia had four points from one win and one draw, while Vietnam U19 were runners-up with three points.

On Friday’s semifinal games, Vietnam U21 will meet Vietnam U19 at 3:30 p.m. and Thailand will play Malaysia at 6:00 p.m. The final and third place games will be on Sunday.

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Vietnam down Iran, go top

Vietnam downed Iran 2-0 to go two points clear in the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship second round qualifiers standings while Thailand and Uzbekistan played a 2-2 draw on Monday.

Vietnam, who defeated Uzbekistan 3-0 in their opener, went ahead in the eighth minute through Nguyen Thi Lieu and Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung doubled the advantage six minutes after the half hour mark. Maryam Rahimi pulled one back for Iran a minute before the final whistle.

Vietnam are now on six points after two games, two more than Thailand and Uzbekistan. Chinese Taipei are on three points while Iran are yet to open their account.

Taneekarn Dangda’s 28th-minute opener for Thailand was cancelled out by Feruza Turdiboeva at the stroke of half time. Pajaree Thaoto once again put Thailand ahead three minutes after the hour mark but Selime Gugueva made it 2-2 three minutes later.

Thailand will face Iran while Vietnam will meet Chinese Taipei on Thursday.

The second round features teams ranked 6-8 from the previous competition, along with the first-round group winners, for a total of five countries.

After a single round-robin, the top team will qualify for the tournament proper.

Top five teams from the last edition - Japan, Korea Republic, DPR Korea, China and Australia – have been given a direct entry into the Finals.

The six-team Finals will have a one-round league format to determine the champions.

Source: Asian Football

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Vietnam avoid Suzuki Cup group of death

Vietnam's head coach Henrique Calisto

Photo: Tuoi Tre

Defending champions Vietnam have been drawn in group B with Singapore and Myanmar in football’s AFF Suzuki Cup to be co-hosted by Vietnam and Indonesia in December.

Three strong teams, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, will be in group A.

Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Timor Leste will play qualifiers in Laos next month from which two will go to the finals.

“I think it’s rather easy for Vietnam in group B,” coach Henrique Calisto said after the draw in Hanoi Thursday.

Coach Radojko Avramovich of Singapore said his side will advance to the final.

“[But] I know it won’t be easy,” he told Tuoi Tre.

“Myanmar has made progress and Vietnam is always a hard opponent, especially at home.

“All teams know that playing Vietnam in My Dinh is a hard task.

However, he conceded Vietnam has a better chance.

In the last AFF Suzuki Cup in 2008 Singapore held Vietnam to a goalless draw in the first leg of the semifinal before losing 1-0 in the second. Vietnam went on beating Thailand 3-2 to clinch the title.

Steve Darby, Thailand’s assistant coach, said he is looking forward to seeing his side play Vietnam in the final.

“Thailand will do well though we are in the more difficult group,” he said.

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VN escapes the ‘group of death'

The Vietnam national team has been drawn in Group B of the ASEAN
Football Championship, to be co-hosted by Vietnam and Indonesia on
December 1-29.

In an official draw in Hanoiyesterday ,
Vietnam will compete in a group with Myanmar , Singapore and the
qualifying runners-up.

Regional rivals Thailand, the 2008
AFF Cup runners-up, will face co-hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and the top
qualifying team in Group A, which has been nicknamed the ‘Group of
Death'.

Vietnam , Thailand , Singapore , Indonesia ,
Malaysia and Myanmar will have byes in the preliminary round, while
Laos , Cambodia , the Philippines and East Timor will compete in a
round robin for the remaining two berths.

" Vietnam have a
slight advantage, because Group A is a tougher draw, as it includes
Thailand , Indonesia and Malaysia . However, it's won't be easy for
Vietnam as group hosts and defending champions," Vietnam team
coach Henrique Calisto said.

"Two years ago, Vietnam
surprised everyone to win the Cup, but this year, our rivals won't take
us for granted. It means that we'll face many difficulties in the
tournament. We'll have to try our best to do everything we can to defend
the trophy. I don't think it'll be easy."

The Portuguese
added that Vietnam needed to respect every opponent in the group, as
he had witnessed the rapid progress of Myanmar . Vietnam have
tussled with Singapore in recent tournaments.

"It's
not that easy. Playing Singapore and Myanmar is as difficult as
taking on Thailand , Malaysia and Indonesia . We're the defending
champions and we'll have to do everything we can to retain the cup," the
Vietnam Football Federation's general secretary Tran Quoc Tuan said
after the draw.

As scheduled, Vietnam will play Myanmar
in the Group B opener on December 2, while Indonesia take on
Malaysia on December 1.

In January, officials from the
AFF toured facilities, including the 40,000-seat My Dinh National
Stadium in Hanoi to evaluate the preparations for this year's AFF
Cup.

The country has been in a rush to prepare for the
event in order to meet the strict criteria set by the AFF Council for
stadia, accommodation and transport.

Two years ago,
Vietnam won the AFF-Suzuki Cup, which was co-hosted by Thailand and
Singapore , after a 3-2 win in a two-leg final with Thailand .

The AFF Cup has become a symbol of football prowess in Southeast Asia since the inaugural event in 1996.

Since 2002 the tournament has been held in two countries, with the top
two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals and final, which
is played in a home-and-away format.

At the first
tournament in Singapore in 1996, Vietnam came third before
finishing as runners-up in 1998 as the host nation.

Thailand has won the title three times, while Singapore has been twice victors./.

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Rattan queens to defend crowns

by Thanh Ha

Lithe: Viet Nam's ASIAD gold medal holders hope to defend their two titles, which they won at the Qatar Games four years ago, atthe coming event in China. — VNA/VNS Photo Quoc Khanh

HA NOI — Viet Nam's sepak takraw (rattan ball kicking) team will be taking part in the Asian Games in November's Guangzhou, China, where they will be defending the title they won in Qatar four years ago.

Three events are planned for the 16th tournament, also known as ASIAD, the biggest regional sports competition.

Each delegation will be allowed to participate in just two events.

Thailand, who have dominated the sport for the last two years, will have their work cut out against a good Viet Nam team, who remain unchanged from four years ago.

Because organisers are only allowing teams to compete in two events, Viet Nam should be able to avoid arch rivals Thailand.

"It will be difficult for us to defend our title, even though we are one of the top teams in Asia and the world," said head coach Ha Tung Lap.

"In fact, I would say that Viet Nam and Thailand are about as strong as each other. Both have a chance of winning the gold. We will need to prepare well."

Huge support

Thailand's Chucheep Kongmeechon has been coaching the team since April. The former Thai national team coach is confident Viet Nam will win the gold.

"Chucheep knows the Viet Nam team very well because when he coached Thailand he met with them many times. The two sides are very familiar with each other's game," Lap said.

"Chucheep is an experienced coach. He knows the Thai team inside out. I believe he will make all the difference," Lap said.

After nearly five months, the team has improved considerably.

"That progress will be demonstrated at ASIAD," said Lap, who was one of the best players in Viet Nam in the 1990s.

"We are facing major challenges. Thailand are better than us in the team event (nine members divided into three smaller teams). We hope to win in the pairs and regu (two three-member teams). In these competitions we were successful in Myanmar, China and South Korea," said captain Luu Thi Thanh.

Viet Nam will try to put behind them their loss to a young team from Myanmar at the 25th Southeast Asian Games last December in Laos.

The players are fully behind Chucheep, whom they say is inspirational in his coaching style.

"He is a really good trainer. He has a great technique. He knows all about physical fitness and gives us elaborate exercises to perform. He is a breath of fresh air. We never seem to get bored or tired," said attacker Nguyen Bich Thuy.

Chucheep and his players took part in a two-month training course in Thailand ahead of the Games, which kick off on November 12 and close 15 days later.

The National Sports Administration organised the training programme in Thailand to boost the team's performance.

The ASIAD will be the last tournament for four key players, who plan to retire after many years playing at national level.

Thanh and Thuy said they planned to look after their families, while Nguyen Thi Hai Thao and Le Thi Thu Ba are getting married. — VNS

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