VietNamaNet Bridge - For Vietnam’s coach Henrique Calisto, the
backline has become a headache ahead of the Suzuki Cup semifinal against Malaysia on
December 15 after two key defenders sustained injuries.

Right-back Quang Thanh badly injured his left shin during the
group B Suzuki Cup clash against Singapore
in Hanoi
Wednesday.

It is bruised and badly swollen, according to the team’s
medical staff, who added that left-back Viet Cuong is in even worse condition
after tearing a back ligament.

Dinh Luat and Dinh Dong may come in for the two but the
Portuguese-born coach said they are not as good as the injured duo at setting
up attacks.

They are not good at overlapping either, a proven tactic for
Vietnam
at this year’s tournament, he added.

Besides the injuries, the coach is also worried about the
decline in form of central defender Nhu Thanh.

Source: Tuoi Tre

Thanh, considered the best defender by former HAGL coach
Nguyen Van Vinh, was beaten time and again by Philippine striker Philip
Younghusband during their match last week. The Philippines
beat Vietnam
2-0.

Vietnam
and Malaysia
will play over two legs on December 15 and 18. Indonesia
and the Philippines
will play in the other semifinal.