SEA Games 33 Football, Vietnam U23 0-0 Malaysia U23: Viktor Le starts, super-attacking lineup.

Coach Kim Sang-sik is fielding his strongest team with the determination to lead Vietnam U23 to victory over Malaysia U23 in the final match of Group B at the SEA Games 33, taking place at 4 PM today (December 11).

Vietnam U.23 fielded their strongest lineup.

At 4 PM today (December 11th), the Vietnam U23 team will face Malaysia U23 in a crucial match to secure a place in the semi-finals of the men's football tournament at the 33rd SEA Games.

Given that the second-placed teams in Groups A and C can only have a maximum of 3 points, Vietnam U23 will qualify for the next round if they manage at least a draw against Malaysia U23. In that case, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team would have 4 points, securing a place in the semi-finals as the best second-placed team.

Vietnam U23 (in white jerseys) are ready for the decisive match.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

However, coach Kim Sang-sik declared that the goal of the Vietnam U23 team is to win the match to secure the top spot in the group. Therefore, the South Korean coach used his strongest lineup, promising to impose his game plan against Malaysia U23.

Standing in goal is goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, the reliable 1.91m tall custodian who has been the starting goalkeeper for the Vietnam U23 team since July. The three central defenders are Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Nhat Minh, and Pham Ly Duc. On the flanks, coach Kim Sang-sik trusts Nguyen Phi Hoang (left) and Pham Minh Phuc (right).

In midfield, the two playmaking center-backs are Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong. Up front, the attacking trident that helps Vietnam U23 find goals consists of Khuat Van Khang (captain), Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Le Viktor.

Determined to get 3 points

Vietnam U23 has defeated Malaysia U23 in both of the last two SEA Games.

In 2022, Nguyen Tien Linh's only goal in extra time helped Vietnam U23 win dramatically 1-0 to reach the final. In 2023, the young team, then coached by Philippe Troussier, also beat Malaysia U23 by one goal (2-1) to officially advance from the group stage.

Despite a dominant head-to-head record, Vietnam U23's victories against Malaysia U23 have usually been by small margins. There are two exceptions: in the semi-finals of the 2023 Southeast Asian U23 Championship (4-1 win) and the group stage of the 2015 SEA Games (5-1 win), where Vietnam U23 literally crushed the "Malaysian Tigers".

"The U23 Malaysia team is physically strong and plays a powerful attacking style. However, we have prepared thoroughly both physically and tactically. Through professional meetings and the players' diligent training, we are confident that we will achieve our goals."

"I always remind the players that this match is like a knockout round. Winning is a mandatory goal for the Vietnam U23 team," coach Kim Sang-sik assessed.

Vietnam U23 has prepared thoroughly.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

Ahead of their crucial match against Vietnam U23, Malaysia U23 received good news. Captain and defender Ubaidullah Shamsul and goalkeeper Haziq Mukhriz arrived in time to join the team on December 7th.

Coach Nafuzi Zain also welcomed Aliff Izwan Yuslan, a player who had just flown from Selangor FC to Thailand to join the training camp.

"The Tigers" are always an unpredictable team, forcing the Vietnam U23 team to keep a cool head. Playing cautiously for a draw, or fighting back to secure a victory – both options carry significant risks for coach Kim Sang-sik.

But to overcome the obstacles, one must know how to conquer the difficult turns. At 4 PM this afternoon, let's see what the Vietnam U23 team can achieve.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bong-da-sea-games-33-u23-viet-nam-0-0-u23-malaysia-le-viktor-da-chinh-doi-hinh-sieu-tan-cong-185251211101015644.htm