Malaysian newspaper: 'U.23 wins with superior class, leaving opponents stunned'

Malaysian media assessed that, given their extremely poor performance, the defeat of the Malaysian U.23 team against the Vietnamese U.23 team in the final match of Group B at the SEA Games 33 was understandable.

The match between Vietnam U23 and Malaysia U23 took place on the afternoon of December 11th at the Rajamangala Stadium (Thailand). With both teams having 3 points, this match was crucial in determining the top spot and which team would qualify directly for the semi-finals. After 90 minutes, Vietnam U23 proved superior, securing an easy 2-0 victory. Both goals for Vietnam U23 were scored in the first half by Hieu Minh and Minh Phuc.

Vietnam U23 advances to the semi-finals as group B winners.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Vietnam U23 played top-class football, stunning Malaysia U23.

When the match at Rajamangala Stadium ended, Astro Arena (Malaysia) commented: “Contrary to the strong statements made before the match, coach Nafuzi Zain and his U23 Malaysia players were stunned even before the first half ended. U23 Vietnam showed their class from the start, constantly attacking and forcing U23 Malaysia to struggle to defend. After much pressure, Hieu Minh and Minh Phuc broke through the flimsy wall of U23 Malaysia's defense. At the same time, even when leading, U23 Vietnam did not give U23 Malaysia any space to play the ball. The young Vietnamese players completely controlled the game, playing with ease and composure. If players like Minh Phuc or Le Viktor hadn't been so unlucky, U23 Malaysia's net could have been shaken a third time.”

Highlights of Vietnam U23 2-0 Malaysia U23: Advance to the semi-finals as group winners.

In the second half, the Malaysian U23 team made several early substitutions in an attempt to salvage some hope of getting a point. However, the situation remained the same as in the first half; facing the quality squad of the Vietnamese U23 team, the Malaysian U23 team was unable to create any attacking opportunities. Today's defeat for the Malaysian U23 team came in the most disappointing way possible.

Vietnam U23 completely dominated the game against Malaysia U23 (yellow jerseys in the first half).

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Meanwhile, the HarimauMalaya website also criticized the performance of the Malaysian U23 team: “Entering the group stage final against Vietnam U23, the young Malaysian players were expected to face many difficulties. But the fact that Malaysia U23 performed extremely poorly in the first half, barely managing to get the ball forward, was something few could have imagined. Coach Nafuzi Zain's players were inferior to Vietnam U23 in every aspect, starting poorly and conceding two goals in just 21 minutes. The strongest point of Vietnam U23 was that they took advantage of the mistakes and complacency of our players.”

The HarimauMalaya website emphasized: “If you are a Malaysian fan, you will certainly be angry with what Nafuzi Zain's team showed throughout the 90 minutes. They played poorly defensively and their attacks lacked speed. The connection between the three lines was almost non-existent, making the Malaysian U23 team's play incredibly disjointed, completely different from the match against Laos U23. Clearly, in such an important match, the Malaysian U23 team needed to react faster when in possession of the ball.”

Malaysia U23 will have to rely on luck to secure a place in the semi-finals!

With 3 points from this match, Vietnam U23 advanced to the semi-finals as group winners with 6 points. Malaysia U23, on the other hand, also has 3 points and a goal difference of -1, and will have to wait for the remaining matches in Group A and Group C to conclude before knowing their fate.

The Metro website stated: "In a disappointing defeat, the Malaysian U23 team lost their top spot to the Vietnamese U23 team. This is also a valuable lesson, bringing the Malaysian U23 players back down to earth. In terms of strength and tactics, Nafuzi Zain's team is not as strong as the Malaysian media has been portraying them for almost a week."

"More importantly, the defeat against Vietnam U23 has put Malaysia U23 in a difficult position. We have now completed all our group stage matches and only have 3 points. After this match, Malaysia U23 will have to anxiously rely on luck to know their final fate at the SEA Games 33," Metro concluded.

Watch SEA Games 33, stand alongside the Vietnamese Sports Delegation, in its entirety onFPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bao-malaysia-u23-thang-bang-dang-cap-vuot-troi-khien-doi-thu-choang-vang-185251211180026344.htm