The clash between U22 Thailand and U22 Malaysia in the semi-finals of the men's football tournament at the 33rd SEA Games carries multiple layers of significance. From a professional standpoint, the host team , U22 Thailand, is considered the stronger side by experts.

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Thailand U22 is considered the stronger team. Photo: Changsuek

Along with the home advantage, the U22 Thailand team showed quite good form in the group stage. In the two group stage matches, the "War Elephants" scored 9 goals. This is the best attacking performance at the SEA Games 33.

In the final group stage match, despite facing some difficulties against U22 Singapore, U22 Thailand ultimately won convincingly 3-0 thanks to their superior player quality. According to analysis by Southeast Asian football experts, U22 Thailand enters the semi-finals as a top contender for the gold medal.

The U22 Thailand team has shown consistency in recent matches, from good organization and clear control of the tempo to, especially, their composure in crucial moments. Up to this point, coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul has received much praise for his ability to time his players' peak performance and develop suitable tactics for a short tournament like the SEA Games.

Conversely, U22 Malaysia reached the semi-finals after a bumpy journey. After a comeback victory against U22 Laos, U22 Malaysia suffered a comprehensive defeat in their final group stage match against U22 Vietnam – a game where they only needed a draw to secure their place in the semi-finals. U22 Malaysia did not have control over their own destiny and had to wait for U22 Indonesia to falter in order to qualify as the best-performing second-placed team.

The U22 Malaysia team possesses physically strong and fast players, but their playing style relies heavily on inspiration. Furthermore, the team's mentality is not particularly strong.

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U22 Malaysia were lucky to reach the semi-finals. Photo: SN

The organization of the U22 Malaysia team has many shortcomings. Both U22 Laos and U22 Vietnam have pointed out these weaknesses. Squad depth is one of the major differences between the two teams. U22 Thailand has many options, while U22 Malaysia lacks a number of key players due to failure to reach agreements with their clubs to release them.

Of course, youth football always holds an element of surprise. The U22 Malaysia team is not lacking in fighting spirit, and quick counter-attacks remain a weapon that can cause difficulties for the U22 Thailand defense.

Nevertheless, considering their overall form, game organization, psychological factors, and home advantage, the U22 Thailand team still enters this semi-final match as the "favorites".

If they don't make things difficult for themselves, the home team has a solid foundation to control the match, defeat their opponent within 90 minutes, and advance to the SEA Games 33 final.

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

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-u22-thai-lan-vs-u22-malaysia-sea-games-33-2472472.html