Defender Hieu Minh shared his thoughts before the final match.

Speaking to the media before training, center-back Nguyen Hieu Minh said that the U22 Vietnam team's morale is very high. "The whole team is very excited going into the final. We've been ready for this goal for a long time and everyone feels happy and confident," Hieu Minh shared.

Hieu Minh (number 4) believes the entire U22 team will overcome the host team in the final match (Photo: VFF)

Assessing their opponent, the U22 Thailand team, the U22 Vietnam center-back stated that the defense needs to be especially focused, particularly with striker number 9 (Yotsakorn Burapha).

"After watching Thailand's matches, I see Yotsakorn as a quality player with strong finishing ability. The defense needs to maintain distance and narrow the space to limit his strengths. The coaching staff will certainly analyze the footage carefully to help the whole team prepare as best as possible," Hieu Minh commented.

Vietnam U22 team actively trains before the final match (Photo: VFF)

Hieu Minh believes that the Vietnam U22 team has built a pragmatic playing style and always knows how to overcome difficulties to win: "Our playing style may be considered not too flashy, but it's a style we've built. For the defense, the first task when we go onto the field is not to concede goals. As for scoring, we trust our forwards."

Hieu Minh speaks to the media before the final match. (Photo: VFF)

Recalling the tough semi-final match against the Philippines U22 team, Hieu Minh said that during halftime, coach Kim Sang Sik emphasized that this was the moment for each individual to show responsibility and a desire to contribute for the national team. “The coach said this was a turning point, and everyone had to try a little harder to shine,” he said.

Vietnamese fans always stand by the U22 team.

Hieu Minh hopes that more Vietnamese fans will come to the stadium for the final match, as this is a great source of motivation for the U22 Vietnamese players. "When we went out to warm up, looking up at the stands and seeing so many Vietnamese fans was a feeling of pride and gave us a huge boost of motivation," Hieu Minh said.

Given the prospect of a packed Rajamangala Stadium for the final, the central defender believes that playing in a passionate atmosphere will further boost the players' morale.

Regarding the possibility of the match going into extra time or a penalty shootout, Hieu Minh affirmed that the Vietnam U22 team is ready for any scenario. "No matter how many minutes it takes, we will play with the highest spirit," Hieu Minh emphasized.

Defender Hieu Minh shared his thoughts before the final match.

Recalling the fond memory of the Vietnamese national team winning the 2024 AFF Cup right at the Rajamangala Stadium, Hieu Minh revealed that this was also the message that coach Kim Sang Sik had conveyed to his players.

"The coach said this is the stage where the senior team succeeded, so we must succeed too. The Vietnam U23 team and the national team have won two finals this year, so having made it this far, the third match can't be any different," the U22 Vietnam center-back expressed his determination.

The SEA Games 33 men's football final between Vietnam U22 and Thailand U22 will take place at 7:30 PM on December 18th.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/trung-ve-hieu-minh-chia-se-truc-tran-chung-ket.html