U.23 Vietnam does not need to beat Malaysia to enter the semi-finals, as long as…

U.23 Vietnam has a bright chance to enter the semi-finals

After 2 matches in Group B of the 33rd SEA Games men's football, U.23 Vietnam is in second place. With 3 points like U.23 Malaysia, but coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are behind due to a lower goal difference (+1 compared to +3).

To enter the semi-finals, U.23 Vietnam must defeat their opponents (the match will take place on December 11) to finish the group stage as the top team. If they finish second in the group, Mr. Kim’s students will have to wait to compare the results with the other second-placed teams. Because only the best second-placed team among the three second-placed teams will get a ticket to the semi-finals.

However, favorable developments in groups A and C have opened a clear path for U.23 Vietnam to enter the semi-finals.

U.23 Vietnam is in a relaxed mood before the final match against U.23 Malaysia

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

In Group A, U.23 Singapore lost 1-3 to U.23 Timor Leste. Meanwhile, in the opening match, U.23 Timor Leste lost 1-6 to U.23 Thailand. Thus, regardless of the result of the final match between U.23 Thailand and U.23 Singapore, the second-placed team will only have a maximum of 3 points. In Group C, U.23 Indonesia lost 0-1 to U.23 Philippines, and U.23 Myanmar also lost 0-2 to U.23 Philippines. Regardless of the result of the match between U.23 Indonesia and U.23 Myanmar in the final round, the second-placed team in Group C will not be able to get more than 3 points.

Clear opportunity

Thus, U.23 Vietnam only needs a draw with U.23 Malaysia to be sure to enter the semi-finals as the best second-place team. At that time, with 4 points, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are sure to be 3 points ahead of the other second-place teams.

If they lose to U.23 Malaysia, U.23 Vietnam will only have 3 points and will have to compare their scores with other second-placed teams. This is a risky scenario that could see Dinh Bac and his teammates eliminated early.

However, U.23 Vietnam will be determined to defeat U.23 Malaysia to enter the semi-finals as group leaders. Under Mr. Kim, U.23 Vietnam has a winning record against Southeast Asian teams, such as U.23 Laos (2-1, 3-0), U.23 Cambodia (2-1), U.23 Philippines (2-1), U.23 Indonesia (1-0) or U.23 Singapore (1-0).

Although U.23 Vietnam won 5/6 matches against Southeast Asian teams, the victory was only by the minimum, but that was enough for the long-term race. Winning is more important than winning method.

The playing style may not be smooth, but U.23 Vietnam has the tenacity and courage to decide the match. In the difficult final match of the group stage against U.23 Malaysia, we can believe that coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will once again win.