Coach Toshyia Miura believes that even though Malaysia are strong team, Viet Nam will still emerge the winner in the semi-final match of the ASEAN Football Federation-Suzuki Cup this weekend.

Miura says Malaysia played well in the recent friendly match against Viet Nam and they had their opener. Viet Nam could only overcome them after they suffered a red card and were down by a player.

However, it was only a friendly match and both the teams were testing their line-ups. In such a scenario, the win did not mean anything.

In the forthcoming matches, the small details could prove to be a big advantage.

Coach Toshyia Miura

The Japanese coach appreciated the physical prowess of the Malaysian players who have honed their technique and exhibit good speed, qualities that had shone through the group round.

Miura, who has been studying his rivals, said he himself trusted Viet Nam's power although one of their best strikers, Vu Minh Tuan, will stay on the side lines because of two yellow cards.

He said Tuan contributed a lot to the team's victories, but the absence of key players in teams is something that happens frequently and coaches always find a suitable replacement to ensure that the team plays well. Miura's situation was no different.

Viet Nam will travel to Kuala Lumpur on December 3 to visit the 87,400-seat stadium Bukit Jalil. The 51-year-old coach is excited at the challenge.

He believed his players would be able to focus hard and make a strong effort in that match although there would be strong pressure from local fans.

He gave the example of Laos, a team that played much better than their usual selves simply because it was facing aggressive Vietnamese fans at the My Dinh Stadium.

Miura who has not yet finalised his semi-final line-up says he has also not decided how to play against Malaysia, adding that he is weighing his options between focussing on defending or adopting counter-attack tactics.

The difference in climate between the two countries is one factor that makes Miura worry.

He said the sudden change in weather when they will be flying from Hanoi to Kuala Lumpur would make his players feel tired and that may lessen their excitement. No wonder he wants to arrive at the destination as soon as possible so that players could familiarise themselves with the changed atmosphere.

Agreeing with the coach, top Vietnamese hitman Le Cong Vinh assured that he will be playing even better in the semi-finals.

The semi-finals' first leg will be organised on December 7 and the second leg will be played four days later at My Dinh.