Vietnam’s football team coach Hendrique Calisto (L) and his Singaporean counterpart Radojko Avramovic at Saturday’s press conference in Singapore.

Vietnam and Singapore will today play the deciding match in Singapore for finals berth in the 2008 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup.

If Vietnam defeats holders Singapore, the team will play in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup final for the first time after 10 years.

At the press conference in Singapore Saturday, Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic said, “The clash against Vietnam tomorrow evening will be very special for me in my career.

“Although I have helped Singapore to win the AFF Cup twice, I will be very happy if Singapore beat Vietnam to play the final for the third title.”

The Serbian said Vietnam was a respectable team. Their players put in an excellent performance at My Dinh Stadium on Wednesday while Singapore didn’t play very well.

However, Avramovic said Singapore’s players would play in higher spirits today.

His players have learnt from their mistakes and they will correct them and play with the spirit of champions. They know how to fight against Vietnam, Avramovic said.

Asked whether Singapore will be under more pressure after the poor performance at My Dinh Stadium on Wednesday, he said, “I think both teams are under similar pressure. Singapore is the cup holder. We are certainly under pressure to progress to the final.”

Avramovic said his team will have to play better at home, adding that Singapore’s fans shouldn’t judge his players too soon because they still have another game to change everything.

He said Singapore is a big team and they are used to pressure. He believed Singapore would earn a berth in the final.

Avramovic said he would make some changes in the midfield to minimize the strength of Vietnam’s team.

“We will score first, but we will be ready to play for 120 minutes and even the penalty shootout,” Avramovic said.

Vietnam’s coach Hendrique Calisto said Vietnamese players would do their best the whole time.

“Singapore will surely make some changes to strengthen the team after their poor performance in Vietnam on Wednesday; but I only care about my team.

“I’m sure my players will continue to play beautifully like they did in Hanoi a couple of days ago; and I believe Vietnam will beat Singapore to secure a place in the final.

“However, it is just a hope. I’m only sure of one thing. I can promise my players will fight to the final minute,” Calisto said.

The Portuguese coach said he expected Vietnamese fans to believe in the team.

“We have achieved the goal set by Vietnam Football Federation of advancing to the semifinals,” Calisto said. “Now, we will make every effort to get the best possible result.”

Speaking to Thanh Nien after the conference, Calisto said, “Vietnam has the biggest chance after 10 years to be in the AFF Cup final. It was a pity my players didn’t score a goal in the first leg match on Wednesday and will have to play away tomorrow, but we will score this time.”

“The Vietnamese players are in their best form and know how to overcome pressure to win.”

Calisto also said he would use the same players as he did on Wednesday but he might throw midfielders Thanh Luong and Minh Phuong into the game earlier.

Reported by Quang Tuyen - Giang Lao