Coach Popov: ‘I sincerely hope Indonesia and Vietnam reach the final’

Myanmar had a positive start when consecutively defeating Timor Leste and the Philippines with the same score 3-2, to take the top spot in Group A. However, their next door was narrow after lost to host Vietnam 0-1 at the penultimate turn. And failure 1-3 against Indonesia in the last match on the afternoon of May 15, making everything officially slam for Popov’s teachers and students.

However, the Bulgarian military leader is still satisfied with the gameplay and spirit of Myanmar. “For me, Vietnam and Indonesia are the strongest opponents in this tournament. They are very experienced, possessing players who have played in the AFF Cup 2020,” he said after the match at Viet Tri Stadium. “For example, in this match, my players were very brave, even if they conceded an early goal, they still played well. In the second half, we still controlled the ball and created many chances. Despite losing, Myanmar did not have Nothing to be ashamed of. Compared to three years ago, we have improved a lot.”

Currently, Indonesia has nine points and is at the top of Group A, while Vietnam is second with a match yet to be played. In the semi-finals, they will meet Thailand or Malaysia – the two top teams of Group B. Popov said: “I wish Indonesia and Vietnam luck. I really hope they reach the final because these are the two strongest teams in the tournament.”

Asked more about the difference between Indonesia and Vietnam, he said that it is difficult to compare because each team has a different strategy. “Indonesian players are fast and create many dangerous balls because they are strong on counter-attacks and creative play. Vietnam has physical strength and solid defense. It is difficult to compare teams,” Popov explained. .

For his part, coach Shin Tae-yong affirmed that he was very happy to join Indonesia in the semi-finals of the SEA Games. He added: “When leading Korea to compete in the 2018 World Cup, we defeated Germany. For me, it is a memory of a lifetime, perhaps a moment that will never be again. Today, I I’m also happy to beat Myanmar.”