Vietnam head coach Nguyen Huu Thang will be aiming to outdo his former boss Alfred Riedl when the Golden Stars try to come from behind to beat Indonesia in Wednesday night's AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal, second leg, in Hanoi.
The Vietnamese trail 2-1 ahead of the return leg at the My Dinh National Stadium after Indonesia scored through Hansamu Pranata and Boaz Solossa in Bogor on Saturday.
But Nguyen Van Quyet's goal ensures the 2008 champions only need to win 1-0 in Hanoi to make the final.
Huu Thang played under Riedl when the Austrian helmed the first of his three stints with Vietnam in 1998-2000. He says that he will put sentiment aside for the showdown that will decide the finalists for the 11th edition of the Southeast Asian tournament.
"It is interesting that I used to be a pupil of Riedl. After 20 years, I now lead my team against the teacher I always respected. But both me and the players will do everything to win and bring joy to the nation," he told VNExpress.net.
The much-travelled Riedl returned to Vietnam in 2003-2004 before leaving for Palestine, and returning again in 2005-2007.
The Austrian is aware of the increasing anticipation in the football-crazy nation he is so familiar with.
"Vietnam are in a difficult situation because of the result. They have got pressure from the media, and fans alike to come up with the goods," Riedl said. "We will go out to get an away goal for sure. But at the same time, the players know how astutely we must defend to qualify."
Defending champions Thailand host Myanmar in the other semifinal on Thursday, armed with a 2-0 advantage.
The two-legged final will be played on Dec. 14 and 17.