U22 Vietnam vs U22 Malaysia: No room for draws (4:00 PM on December 5th, live on VTV2 & FPT Play)
The importance of this match is not only about deciding the semifinal spot but also a declaration of the courage of a team determined to win the SEA Games gold medal. For U22 Vietnam, it all boils down to the message Quoc Cuong shared: "No draws, must win."
This is the shared spirit throughout the current U22 Vietnam squad. Coach Kim Sang Sik’s players are excited after a full week of preparation in Bangkok. The weaknesses revealed in the opening match against U22 Laos have been carefully examined.
Xuan Bac’s return has made it easier for Coach Kim Sang Sik to plan the midfield. After Van Truong’s severe injury, Xuan Bac holds the most critical role in the center of U22 Vietnam’s midfield. However, the issue is the lack of harmony between Xuan Bac and Thai Son, causing the team under Coach Kim Sang Sik to lack coherence in the opening match.
U22 Vietnam failed to implement effective plays from the midfield. Moreover, Coach Kim Sang Sik might consider fully utilizing the abilities of the left-wing players. In the match against U22 Laos, U22 Vietnam did not have impressive attacks from this usually strong position.
Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team clearly understands that the match against U22 Malaysia is not just a test of their resolve but also an opportunity to decide their own path. Because if they draw, U22 Vietnam will still advance but will likely face host U22 Thailand in the semifinals. This scenario is risky and unwanted by any Vietnamese fan. If they win, Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team will top Group B and have a better chance of facing U22 Philippines, a much easier opponent since U22 Vietnam recently defeated U22 Philippines in the 2023 U23 Southeast Asia Championship semifinals.
The mindset of "playing safe for one point" does not exist in U22 Vietnam’s thoughts. "If the attitude is poor, it’s hard to play well. We are determined to only aim for victory," midfielder Quoc Cuong said.
Dinh Bac is expected to continue shining to help U22 Vietnam surpass U22 Malaysia. Photo: Tuan Pham
The confidence of the young player from Ho Chi Minh City Police Club comes not only from his performance in the V-League but also from stability in training sessions. In Bangkok, U22 Vietnam trains under far better conditions compared to the women’s team.
While U22 Vietnam carries an attacking spirit, U22 Malaysia enters the match with extreme caution. Although they also only need a draw to advance, Coach Nafuzi Zain’s team faces a series of personnel changes.
Top striker Rosli Azim had to return home due to bereavement, Haziq Kutty is seriously injured, and U22 Malaysia’s defense has just welcomed back the tall center-back Ubaidullah Shamsul. Moreover, the entire team training in unnumbered shirts shows their caution, a move to hide personnel and tactics from U22 Vietnam’s observation.
However, U22 Malaysia is not an opponent to be underestimated. Coach Nafuzi Zain still has the technically skilled and sharp striker duo Danish-Khalil. The forward playing for Selangor FC II confirmed the team will not "settle for a draw" but aims for victory to reclaim pride for Malaysian football.
In fact, U22 Malaysia is easier to face than U22 Vietnam in this game. Coach Nafuzi Zain’s team may defend tightly and counterattack quickly. U22 Malaysia has players strong in aerial duels, so Trung Kien and U22 Vietnam’s defense must maintain tactical discipline. The trio of central defenders along with the support from Thai Son and Xuan Bac will be key to controlling the match.
Up front, U22 Vietnam currently has Dinh Bac in great form. The CAHN player was described by Malaysia’s New Straits Times as the "most dangerous spearhead," a major hope for U22 Vietnam. However, Van Khang, Thanh Nhan, Cong Phuong, Quoc Cuong, and Quoc Viet are also players ready to shine.
Therefore, the match at Rajamangala will be a tense tactical battle where every small detail can change the outcome. With a superior head-to-head record against U22 Malaysia, U22 Vietnam is well-prepared to handle the pressure.
Expected lineups:
- U22 Vietnam: Trung Kien, Nhat Minh, Hieu Minh, Ly Duc, Minh Phuc, Phi Hoang, Xuan Bac, Thai Son, Van Khang, Thanh Nhan, Dinh Bac.
- U22 Malaysia: Shapri, Michel Raj, Kutty Haziq, Alif, Sharani, Hakimi, Sahaludin, Shafizal, Basheer, Danish, Khalil.
- Predicted result: 1-0
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