Vietnam are seeking a win over Cambodia on Monday to advance at the 2014 Southeast Asian U-22 Football Championship or Hassanal Bolkiah Cup, taking place in Brunei from August 8 to 23.

However it will not be an easy mission for French coach Guillaume Graechen’s boys, U-19 players, as Cambodia have proved they are tough rivals.

The Cambodian players, under 21 years, now rank second in Group B, after leaders Malaysia who have earned 10 points so far, with three wins and a loss after four matches.

Meanwhile, Vietnam and Brunei are placed third and fourth, respectively, with seven points following two wins, a draw, and a loss each.

Cambodia, led by South Korean coach Lee Tae Hoon, beat hosts Brunei 1-0, thrashed Singapore 3-1, and edged past Indonesia 2-1.

Both Cambodia and Vietnam lost 0-1 and 0-2 to Malaysia, respectively.

Cambodia’s coach said, “We’re confident ahead of the Vietnam game but I will never comment before a match.

“What I am worried now is that my players had only a day to rest while the Vietnamese had two resting days.

“We will try our best.”

His counterpart, coach Graechen of Vietnam, said he will field his best players to take on Cambodia U-21s because “This is our final group stage game and we must win. We will go home if we get a draw.”

He advised his players after a training session yesterday that this is just a game and so pressure is unnecessary.

Brunei King His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah has presented over US$250,000 to members of all 11 participating teams.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!