SEA Games 33: Vietnam futsal team is at a disadvantage compared to Thailand and Indonesia, why?

The Vietnamese futsal team is completing the final preparations for the 33rd SEA Games. Coach Diego Giustozzi frankly admitted that the competition schedule at this congress puts Vietnam at a disadvantage compared to its two direct opponents, Thailand and Indonesia.

The Vietnamese futsal team is currently training at Thai Son Nam Gymnasium (HCMC), where coach Diego Giustozzi and his team are racing against time to optimize their physical strength and tactics. The team's excitement partly comes from their impressive performance in the 2026 Asian futsal qualifiers, where Vietnam won all three matches against Lebanon, China and Hong Kong, scoring a total of 20 goals and conceding only 3 to win first place in Group E.

Vietnam plays 4 consecutive days, while Thailand and Indonesia...

Argentine head coach Diego Giustozzi confidently shared: "Everything is going very well. From recent friendly matches, I can assure you that the team is ready both mentally and tactically. In the first two weeks of training, we mainly improved our physical condition. I believe that if we improve this factor well, we can surpass our opponents. In the coming time, we will continue to train hard. I am completely satisfied with what the team is showing right now."

However, the coach who won the World Cup futsal is also worried about an objective factor, which is the match schedule. The Vietnamese futsal team is the only team that has to compete continuously for 4 days, respectively against Malaysia (December 16), Indonesia (December 17), Thailand (December 18) and Myanmar (December 19). Meanwhile, the two strong teams, Thailand and Indonesia, both have a day off before facing Vietnam.

Competition schedule of Vietnam futsal team at SEA Games 33

PHOTO: VFF

Coach Diego Giustozzi said: "At the 33rd SEA Games, the Vietnamese futsal team has an unfavorable schedule. We are the only team that has to play 4 consecutive days. Meanwhile, Thailand has 1 day off before meeting Vietnam, and so does Indonesia. However, I am still confident in my team. The players have improved a lot, and I will wait to see how they perform when they have to continuously face Malaysia, Indonesia or Thailand. I want to see the Vietnamese futsal team compete with the highest determination and aim for the gold medal."

Evaluating the opponents, Mr. Giustozzi not only mentioned Thailand - the team that has dominated all 5 regional sports events with futsal, but also especially praised Indonesia. He frankly said: "I think the most formidable team at SEA Games 33 is Indonesia. They have progressed very quickly and beat Thailand in the recent confrontation. Therefore, Indonesia and Thailand will be the two biggest opponents of Vietnam."

Coach Diego Giustozzi and his students are currently practicing at Thai Son Nam Stadium - Ho Chi Minh City

PHOTO: VFF

According to the plan, the Vietnamese futsal team will train in Ho Chi Minh City until December 10 before leaving for Thailand. The men's futsal event at the 33rd SEA Games will feature 5 teams: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar. The teams will compete in a round robin to calculate points and final rankings.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sea-games-doi-tuyen-futsal-viet-nam-bat-loi-hon-thai-lan-va-indonesia-tai-sao-185251121171732829.htm