Calisto: national squad stands firm thanks to fans

Published: 21/12/2008 05:00

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VietNamNet Bridge –Singapore played with 12 footballers and their own audience. But thanks to the cheers and shouts of “Vietnam, Vietnam” on the stands, we stood firm during thet difficult moments,” said chief coach Henrique Calisto after Vietnam beat Singapore to enter the final of AFF Cup 2008.

Calisto entered the press room with a hoarse voice. He shouted and screamed the whole second-leg semi-final match, and then answered many TV interviews.

“You asked me what I feel now? First, I am very tired, and then I am so happy! Once again, I have to thank fans. They helped Vietnamese players feel like they were at home even though they played on a guest stadium,” the coach said.

About his sudden decision to use reserve striker Quang Hai, which made a turning-point to the match, Calisto said: “Perhaps Hai was not allowed to play frequently, but I always believed in his ability. Hai has good technique, high speed and it is important that he was suitable for that moment.”

Commenting on Singapore, Calisto said: “Avramovic is always a good coach. Singaporean footballers also played well and they controlled today’s match. Singapore had many chances to seek a goal, like Vietnam did in the first-leg match. That’s football. Singapore simply lacked luck.”

Avramovic revealed his attitude after the match. “Singapore is unworthy of being defeated, but actually, Vietnam is not unworthy to the victory. We were unlucky in dealing with our chances. After this match, Singapore is no longer the current champion. But it is not the end. My players could play well together in many coming years, perhaps 4-5 years.”

AD (from Singapore)

Update from: http://english.vietnamnet.vn//sports/2008/12/819867/

Provide by Vietnam Travel

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