Vietnam continue aiming high after they became the only Southeast Asian team to book a place in the quarterfinals with efforts largely contributed by players from the Hanoi Football Club.
Interestingly, both Vietnamese men's and women’s U23 football teams will face Thailand's in the finals for gold medals.
Philippine coach said he’s satisfied with the drawing results before the defending champions.
Vietnam’s persuasive win is contributed by two out of three over-age players.
Vietnam is believed to retain its regional football title while Indonesia appears to be a strong candidate.
Coach Park Hang-seo of the Golden Star Warriors said Vietnamese players made efforts to play with the pride of the Vietnamese people.
The tough and glory journey of the champions has made the greeting home more meaningful.
Vietnam were ravaged by Covid-19 with 24 out of 27 players infected and supplemented by 10 from home who reached the venues few hours before the games started.
Vietnam got compliments for their spirit as performing with injuries and having no players for substitution.
Vietnam hopes the tournament will be the platform for its players to perform at the Southeast Asia Games (SEA Games), which will be held in Hanoi in May 2022.