ESPN pundit: ‘Coach Park deserves all the credit’

– What do you think about Final match between Vietnam and Thailand at the last 31 SEA Games?

– The match was fierce when both sides were determined and capable of winning. By the 80th minute, I still had the feeling that either team could win. In the end, Vietnam succeeded and I think they deserved it for showing composure, or in other words the ability to withstand pressure. They found a way to break the opponent’s defense structure, while Thailand could not.

– In your opinion, who is the best player of Vietnam in this match?

– Nham Manh Dung scored a brilliant goal. But I pay attention to Nguyen Tien Linh. He has responded proportionately to the criticisms aimed at him. Tien Linh contributes more than scoring goals. The cross that changed the direction of the attack leading to Manh Dung’s goal showed Tien Linh’s great vision. The way he holds the ball, gets rid of the opponent’s grasp and deals cards when he drops low… All quality.

– How do you evaluate the way Coach Park operates and adjusts the personnel for this tournament?

– We should praise him. There are many players that Park could bring on in the second half, but he picked Nham Manh Dung. Of course, he clearly understood Manh Dung’s ability, and brought him in to increase the striker’s good physique in the context of the Thai defense showing signs of weakness. Sometimes changes lead to mistakes, and in this case Park was absolutely effective.

– So what is the cause of Thailand’s failure?

– I don’t think Mano Polking did anything wrong to lead to Thailand’s defeat. Like I said, both teams want and work hard to win. Anyway, when the score is 1-0, the match is often resolved with a special moment. Vietnam created that moment and that is very important.

– Why could Vietnam not score in the first half, but still won five out of six matches at the Games?

– This is a good question. I believe Vietnam played patiently under Park. They are well organized, and appreciate the stability of the defence. That is the basis of his philosophy. So, even though Vietnam didn’t score in the first half, it wasn’t a problem for Park. The endurance of Vietnamese players gives Park confidence that his team will find a goal in the second half.

8 goals of Vietnam in SEA Games 31

– Who do you think is the best player in this tournament?

– I really like Le Van Do. I don’t think he deserves the “Best Player” award, but at just 21 years old and with many seniors around, he still makes an impressive contribution to Vietnam’s success. As for the “best player”, including the elders, Do Hung Dung played brilliantly and led the team like a true leader. Without him, Vietnam would not have won the championship.

– What is Park’s position among the greatest coaches in Southeast Asian history?

– I find it difficult to choose who is the greatest, or the greatest. If it’s due to different generations, it’s even harder. I can only say that Park deserves every compliment. Even Kiatisuk Senamuang won two gold medals in a row with Thailand, does that mean Park is on the same level as Kiatisuk? They play with very different styles. And when Thailand won two gold medals in a row, they had no real opponents. As for Vietnam, this tournament has to face Thailand and even Indonesia. Park has done a lot of great things.

– How does the support of the home audience affect the championship of Vietnam?

– Sometimes the audience makes the difference, sometimes it doesn’t. I think in the case of Vietnam, the audience made a huge difference. Their passion is undeniable. Even the matches without Vietnam, the stadiums are still full of people. I have only good words to say about the Vietnamese audience, and hope to experience it for myself in Vietnam.

Xuan Binh