Receiving few questions, defender Aysar Hadi mostly spent his time stroking his chin. He offered a brief remark that anything could happen, and Malaysia remained optimistic and confident despite their 0-2 defeat to Vietnam in the first leg.

This afternoon, coach Tan Cheng Hoe arrived at the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) headquarters for a press conference, revealing a stark contrast in team support.

He was accompanied only by defender Aysar Hadi and two media officers from the Malaysia Football Federation (MFF). No Malaysian reporters or media outlets were present, highlighting the team's isolation.

Malaysia once boasted a large and passionate fanbase, renowned throughout Southeast Asia. The Ultras Malaysia group alone had 80,000 members. In 2018, when the tournament was still known as the AFF Cup, over 3,000 Malaysian fans traveled to Vietnam to cheer on their team in the final second leg at My Dinh Stadium. Hundreds of them even paraded through the streets of Hanoi, creating a vibrant atmosphere. However, this year, the visiting team has only requested fewer than 100 tickets for their supporters. This lack of enthusiasm is primarily due to Malaysian fans collectively turning their backs on the national team following a naturalization scandal. In the semi-final first leg last week, the 18,000-seat Kuala Lumpur stadium also had many empty seats.

Coach Tan Cheng Hoe took a commemorative photo with Aysar Hadi. Before leaving, he stated that Vietnam held many advantages, including the scoreline, current form, head-to-head record, and home ground. However, Malaysia would not surrender. "There are still at least 90 minutes ahead, and Malaysia has come to Hanoi with the belief that we will turn the tide," coach Tan emphasized.

Malaysia has lost 10 and drawn one of their last 11 matches against Vietnam. Their most recent victory was in 2014, a 4-2 win in the semi-final second leg at My Dinh Stadium after losing the first leg 1-2 in Kuala Lumpur.

In contrast to Malaysia, a few minutes later, coach Kim Sang-sik and defender Pham Xuan Manh entered the press conference room in a relaxed mood, reflecting their team's strong position.

Thanks to their first-leg advantage, Vietnam would still qualify for the final even with a minimal margin defeat. Statistics show that over the past 10 years, the national team has remained undefeated and conceded fewer than one goal in ASEAN Cup semi-final second legs.

Not only Vietnamese media, but also reporters from South Korea attended the Vietnam national team's press conference. Korean media is closely following coach Kim's success with Vietnamese football. If they overcome Malaysia in the semi-finals, he and his players would reach the ASEAN Cup final for the second consecutive time, a feat Vietnam had never achieved, even under Park Hang-seo.

At the end of the press conference, coach Kim Sang-sik and defender Pham Xuan Manh were friendly with each other, posing for a commemorative photo with raised fists, symbolizing their determination.

After the press conference, coach Kim Sang-sik broke protocol, approaching and greeting his compatriots in the press and inviting them to a private room for further discussion. The match between Vietnam and Malaysia will take place at 20h on Wednesday, 19/8, at My Dinh Stadium.

Duc Dong