On the morning of December 17th, in Bangkok (Thailand), the Organizing Committee of the 33rd SEA Games held a press conference ahead of the men's football final between the Vietnam U22 and Thailand U22 teams. Representing the Vietnam U22 team at the press conference were head coach Kim Sang-sik and defender Pham Ly Duc.
To begin, coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized that the U22 Vietnam team's journey to the final was the result of persistent effort and team spirit, along with tremendous support from domestic fans.
He said, "We are in the final today thanks to the support of the Vietnamese people, the efforts of the players, and the silent sacrifices of all the team members."
The South Korean coach commented that the entire team had given their best throughout the tournament and were aiming for a positive result in the final match.
Assessing the U22 Thailand team, Mr. Kim said they are a well-organized team with many players possessing outstanding physical fitness, speed, and individual technique. He particularly noted that the U22 Vietnam defense needs to maintain a high level of concentration.
“The U22 Thailand team has players who have scored in various ways in this tournament. Therefore, the defenders, including Pham Ly Duc, need to play disciplined and solid. We will prepare well to have a quality match,” said coach Kim Sang-sik.
In addition, the head coach of the Vietnam U22 team hopes that the final match will be played in a spirit of fair play, with equal competition and ensuring the safety of players from both teams. “The final is very important, but we also have to participate in the U23 Asian Championship in January 2026. The most important thing is that the players maintain their fitness and avoid injuries. I hope the referees will officiate fairly so that the match is played fairly and completely,” added Coach Kim Sang-sik.
Recalling the fond memories of winning the ASEAN Cup 2024 with the Vietnamese national team at Rajamangala Stadium in January 2025, Coach Kim hopes the U22 generation will continue that success. “I really hope the U22 players can also win the championship at this stadium, to end 2025 in a truly meaningful way,” the 48-year-old coach expressed his hope.
Sharing the same sentiment, center-back Pham Ly Duc affirmed that the final match is of special importance to the entire team, so they are determined to play and achieve the set goals. “We respect our opponent and are ready for tomorrow’s match. The whole team always listens to and follows the instructions of the coaching staff,” said the player from Hanoi Police FC.
Commenting on the skill level of the number 9 striker of the Thai U22 team, Pham Ly Duc assessed: “The coaching staff has specific plans to limit this player. Personally, I, as well as my teammates in the defense, will focus to the maximum and execute the assigned tactics correctly.”
Pham Ly Duc also emphasized that the Vietnam U22 team did not come to the SEA Games for tourism , but to win. "Our predecessors won the championship at Rajamangala Stadium, so we must do the same. When the coach trusts us, we must respond with our best performance."
"We will play with more than 100% effort to bring the gold medal home for Vietnamese football and for the fans," the 22-year-old player from Tay Ninh expressed.
The SEA Games 33 men's football final between Vietnam U22 and Thailand U22 will take place at 7:30 PM at the Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok). The Vietnam U22 team will wear their traditional red kit.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-noi-gi-truc-tran-chung-ket-voi-u22-thai-lan-196251217124831931.htm
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