Indonesian newspaper worries that U22 Vietnam and Malaysia 'shake hands'

Indonesian media expressed concern that the U22 Indonesian team no longer has the right to decide for themselves after the disastrous defeat against the Philippines in Group C, men's football at the 33rd SEA Games.

U22 Indonesia (white shirt) caused great disappointment - Photo: BOLA

On the evening of December 8, U22 Indonesia shockingly lost 0-1 to U22 Philippines in the second match of Group C, men's football SEA Games 33. This result helped the Philippines officially win the right to continue with the top spot in the group.

As for Indonesia, they have only played 1 match (because there are only 3 teams in the group), and only hope to get a ticket to the semi-finals through the best second-placed team. In men's football at the 33rd SEA Games, the 3 group winners and the best second-placed team will get a ticket to the semi-finals.

U22 Indonesia does not even have the right to decide for themselves. They will play against Myanmar on December 12, while the day before, Vietnam and Malaysia will meet in the final match of Group B.

With just a draw, Vietnam and Malaysia will enter the semi-finals. At that time, Malaysia will be at the top of Group B, while Vietnam will have 4 points, second in the group (with a lower goal difference), and will certainly take the place for the best second-placed team, because the two second-placed teams in Groups A and C will only have a maximum of 3 points.

This means that the 33rd SEA Games will likely end for Indonesia right after they have played only one match. Indonesian media and fans are worried about the scenario of "Vietnam and Malaysia draw".

"There is a high possibility that the match between Vietnam and Malaysia will end in a draw. If that happens, both teams will enter the semi-finals. Then there will be no more chance for Indonesia," Tribun News commented.

On social networks, many Indonesian fans are also worried that Vietnam and Malaysia will enter the semi-finals together.

"Such scenarios happen very often in football. We have to accept it, because Indonesia lost to the Philippines in an inexplicable way," a fan commented on the ASEAN Football page.

Back to topic

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bao-indonesia-lo-ngai-u22-viet-nam-va-malaysia-bat-tay-nhau-2025120909185142.htm