In its review ahead the first leg of the semifinal between Singapore and Vietnam at Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday, CNN Indonesia called it a "potential surprise."

Bui Vi Hao (L) and Truong Tien Anh (R) celebrate Nguyen Quang Hai's (C) goal in Vietnam's 5-0 win over Myanmar at the ASEAN Cup group stage in Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho Province on Dec. 21, 2024.

"Jalan Besar is an artificial grass pitch, which may pose challenges for Vietnam," the newspaper stated. "Additionally, Singapore should not be underestimated as they led Thailand 2-0 before ultimately losing 2-4. Coach Tsutomu Ogura's team has shown steady improvement, including a 0-0 draw against Malaysia in their final Group A match."

Vietnam usually play on natural grass pitch, which are thicker and more slippery than on artificial grass. The team struggled on the artificial grass pitch at Rizal Memorial Stadium during the group stage, managing only a 1-1 draw against the Philippines.

Despite complimenting Singapore's progress, CNN Indonesia gave higher praise to Vietnam.

"Vietnam have the best chance of winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup because they are the only team using the best squad, unlike other teams that had to mix experienced and young players," CNN Indonesia added.

"Coach Kim Sang-sik also gained new momentum with striker Nguyen Xuan Son, who shone in his debut, a 5-0 win against Myanmar," it said, referring to the Brazilian-born striker who was naturalized in September and made a debut for the national team against Myanmar, contributing two goals and two assists.

During the ASEAN Cup, the national championships in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia are still underway, leaving these teams without their top squads. In contrast, the domestic leagues in Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines have been postponed, allowing better preparation for the tournament. This has contributed to Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines reaching the semifinals, while Malaysia and Indonesia were eliminated from the group stage.

In fact, Vietnam are missing key players such as goalkeeper Dang Van Lam and striker Nguyen Cong Phuong due to injuries. Familiar names like Que Ngoc Hai, Nguyen Phong Hong Duy, Do Hung Dung and Nguyen Tuan Anh were also left out of the squad.

Vietnam’s 26-player roster has an average age of 27.1, only younger than Singapore’s 28.2. Indonesia brought the youngest squad with an average age of 20.3, including 24 U21 players.

In another article, CNN Indonesia assessed that Vietnam and Thailand remain the top contenders for the championship, predicting they will meet in the final. The two teams have faced off in the ASEAN Cup final twice before, with Vietnam winning in 2008 but lost to Thailand in 2022.

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