Coach Kim: The goal of the Vietnam U22 team is not just to reach the semi-finals.

Ahead of the semi-final match against the Philippines, Kim Sang-sik implicitly confirmed that the Vietnamese U22 team's goal is to reach the final of the men's football tournament at the 33rd SEA Games.

Kim Sang-sik affirmed that the Vietnam U22 team is not under pressure. Photo: Minh Chien .

"We are pleased to be here. But the goal of the Vietnam U22 team is not just the semi-finals, but beyond that. The players are in their best physical condition, ready both mentally and physically for the upcoming match," Mr. Kim shared at the press conference on the afternoon of December 14th.

Vietnam U22 advanced to the semi-finals as the second-placed team in Group B. The team won both of their matches, including an impressive 2-0 victory against their main rival Malaysia on December 11th. Vietnam U22 scored 4 goals and conceded only one.

Mr. Kim said: "In the semi-finals of the U23 Southeast Asian Championship earlier this year, we beat the Philippines 2-1. But at these SEA Games, both teams have made many changes to their lineups. Once we reach the semi-finals, winning, drawing, or losing is all possible; the important thing is to try our best."

Compared to the U22 Philippines, the U22 Vietnam team has a much richer track record at the SEA Games, especially in recent times. In the last three SEA Games, U22 Vietnam won the championship twice. In 2023 in Cambodia, coach Philippe Troussier's team only reached the semi-finals.

Captain Khuat Van Khang shared: "There is no pressure at all. We have prepared thoroughly and trained hard since mid-May, through the Southeast Asian tournament to the U23 Asian qualifiers. We believe every opponent is formidable, but the Vietnam U22 team will approach tomorrow's match with the highest confidence and determination."

"Last SEA Games, we had an undesirable tournament, which was a lesson for the long road ahead. This time, the team has many new players, we are determined and will play a good match tomorrow," said a player from the The Cong - Viettel youth academy.

The semi-final match between Vietnam U22 and the Philippines will take place at 3:30 PM tomorrow (December 15th) at the Rajamangala Stadium.

Two goals for Vietnam U22 against Malaysia: On the evening of December 11th, Vietnam U22 brilliantly defeated Malaysia U22 with a score of 2-0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the men's football event at the 33rd SEA Games as the top team in Group B.

Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-kim-muc-tieu-cua-u22-viet-nam-dau-chi-la-ban-ket-post1611392.html