We don't want to be losers tomorrow: Calisto

SINGAPORE (Dec 20, 2008) – Someone has to lose tomorrow’s second leg AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal battle and Vietnam certainly do not want to be the ones to prematurely exit the region’s most prestigious tournament. “It’s a game that both teams want to win. Tomorrow, we don’t want to be the losers,” said Henrique Calisto. 
 

The Portuguese coach said his players were determined to give their very best to scalp the Lions in their own den. “Our target is to win … the players will give their maximum to achieve this result. We proved ourselves in the first game but this time a draw will not do.”

In the first leg, Vietnam took the fight to the champions but failed to score any goals. Those near misses may just cost them the ticket to the final. “I know tomorrow’s game will be different. We have our game plan but it may not work if Singapore plays very well. They are at home and will have good support from their fans.”

And speaking of support, the famous ‘Kallang Roar’ will come alive tomorrow with over 40,000 screaming fans. Ticket sales have been very good with the grandstand already sold out.

Calisto however expressed some concern over the weather. “If it rains, it will be a big problem for our team. We don’t play long balls and a heavy ground will affect our game.”

For Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic, the weather will not make a difference. “Our main target is to keep the title. At the moment everything is going our way. We have been unbeaten in this tournament since 2004 and I have every intention of keeping it that way.” 

And with Singapore playing at home and with an expected bumper crowd, certainly have the edge over their rivals. “The last time (in the first leg), we gave them too much room, that won’t happen again.”