Before the final matchday in Group B of the men's football tournament at the 33rd SEA Games, the Vietnam U22 team only needed a draw against Malaysia U22 to secure a place in the semi-finals as the best-performing second-placed team, regardless of goal difference comparisons with other second-placed teams.
This helped coach Kim Sang Sik and his players somewhat relieve the pressure of having to win at all costs against the tough opponent, U22 Malaysia. In the event of a draw, U22 Vietnam and U22 Malaysia would advance to the semi-finals together. However, coach Kim Sang Sik affirmed that he and his players are not aiming for a draw, but rather for a victory.
In fact, although U22 Malaysia beat U22 Laos 4-1 (while U22 Vietnam won 2-1), it doesn't mean U22 Malaysia is the stronger team. U22 Laos faced many personnel and fitness issues after their opening match against U22 Vietnam.
Entering this decisive match, the U22 Malaysia team needs at least a draw to finish first in the group and qualify for the next round. Therefore, it is highly likely that they will deploy a low-lying formation, playing defensively and relying on counter-attacks, rather than risking an attacking game.
In terms of personnel, although the U22 Malaysia team recently added center-back Ubaidullah, winger Haqimi Azim Rosli is likely to be absent. With insufficient players, coach Nafuzi Zain must be even more cautious and focus on defense.
Coach Kim Sang Sik is certainly aware of this, but the South Korean strategist is not worried. On the contrary, the coach born in 1976 has prepared many attacking options for the Vietnam U22 players, including aerial duels, which are not a strong point of the Vietnamese players.
Clearly, the Vietnam U22 team fought with all their might to determine their own destiny, while also creating a morale boost before entering the knockout round.
In terms of playing style, coach Kim Sang Sik may adjust the personnel to help the Vietnam U22 team be more mobile in the midfield. The Vietnam U22 team must control the game, circulate the ball smoothly, and have accuracy in final passes and shots.
The U22 Malaysia team is a very different opponent compared to the U22 Laos team, so if Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad doesn't play with 200% effort, it will be very difficult to achieve their goal.
However, with a relaxed mindset knowing the door to the next round was wide open, and with 8 days of preparation and rest (compared to 5 days for their opponents), Dinh Bac and his teammates were confident of victory.
The U22 Vietnam vs U22 Malaysia match will take place at 4 PM on December 11th at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Predicted starting lineup for Vietnam U22: Trung Kien, Nhat Minh, Hieu Minh, Tuan Phong, Van Khang, Quoc Cuong, Viktor Le, Anh Quan, Thanh Nhan, Quoc Viet, Dinh Bac
Watch SEA Games 33, side by side with the Vietnamese Sports Delegation, most fully onFPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-u22-viet-nam-vs-u22-malaysia-16h-ngay-11-12-2471034.html
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