What scenarios could lead Vietnam U22 to the semi-finals when facing Malaysia U22?

Before the crucial match against U22 Malaysia, U22 Vietnam had three chances to secure a place in the semi-finals of the men's football tournament at the 33rd SEA Games. A win would see Coach Kim's team top the group and advance directly. A draw against U22 Malaysia would guarantee Vietnam's second-place finish. A loss against U22 Malaysia would require many favorable conditions for the "Golden Star Warriors" to squeeze through.

Right now, the Vietnam U22 team has 3 points and a goal difference of +1. If they don't win their final match, the Vietnam U22 team will finish the group stage with a maximum goal difference of 0. Coach Kim's team will then wait for the two competing teams with worse goal differences to be the best-performing second-placed team.

In Group A, the most favorable scenario for Vietnam U22 would be if Thailand U22 beat Singapore U22. In that case, Timor-Leste U22 would still be second in the group with a goal difference of -3. If Singapore U22 beat Thailand U22, there would be a greater risk for Vietnam U22 as Singapore U22's goal difference is currently -2.

In the other group, U22 Indonesia will face U22 Myanmar in a battle for three points. This poses the biggest threat to U22 Vietnam (in case Coach Kim's team loses), as U22 Indonesia's goal difference is -1, while U22 Myanmar's is -2. According to Bola 's analysis, if there is a change in Group B resulting from U22 Vietnam's defeat, U22 Indonesia's chances of advancing will be significantly increased.

Of course, the Vietnam U22 team wouldn't want to compete against their opponent under the most difficult conditions. The power of self-determination still rests entirely in the hands of the "Golden Star Warriors," requiring a win against Malaysia U22 or at least a draw. Vietnam U22 will avoid a clash with Thailand U22 if they finish first in Group B.

The line between elimination and qualification is very thin for both Vietnam U22 and Malaysia U22. For Malaysia U22, theoretically, they have a great chance of reaching the semi-finals, as a draw would guarantee them the top spot in the group. However, a loss to Vietnam U22 would also leave the "Malay Tigers" facing a dire situation when competing with the teams that have 3 points.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/nhung-kich-ban-nao-cho-u22-viet-nam-vao-ban-ket-khi-doi-dau-u22-malaysia-post1803667.tpo