Coach apologises to Vietnam fans after heavy loss
KUALA LUMPUR: A few weeks ago, Kim Sang Sik basked in the glow of a famous victory over Manchester United by his Asean XI at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Last night, he was apologising to the Vietnamese people from the same venue.
Sang Sik, whose men were trounced 4-0 by Malaysia in an Asian Cup qualifier, said in a post-match press conference: "I feel Malaysia are very strong in this group, they are getting stronger and stronger. There are many players from abroad (Malaysia used heritage players), our team suffered from them.
"I want to apologise to the Vietnamese fans who watched on television and also to those who came to the stadium.
"I think the players and the Vietnam fans were disappointed tonight. I feel very responsible for the result. We lost, but all the players did their best."
Sang Sik, a South Korean, said injuries to his key centre-backs Nguyen Thanh Chung and Bui Tien Dung toward the end of the first half changed the course of the match.
"In the first half, we did as we had planned but in the second half, we lost Thanh Chung and Tien Dung, two important defenders, and the defensive structure broke down."
Despite the heavy defeat, Sang Sik said the return tie against Malaysia in Hanoi on March 31, next year, could see a spectacular comeback from his team, one which may decide the Group F winners.
"Nobody knows how football goes. We could miraculously win four or five nil in Hanoi. Nobody knows. I have to prepare for the match in Hanoi," he said.
The loss leaves Vietnam second in Group F with three points. The Golden Star Warriors are expected to beat Nepal (on Oct 9 and Oct 14) and Laos (Nov 18) before facing Malaysia again.
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