Vietnam U23 doesn't need to beat Malaysia to advance to the semi-finals, as long as…

Vietnam U23 has a good chance of reaching the semi-finals.

After two matches in Group B of the men's football tournament at the 33rd SEA Games, Vietnam U23 is currently second in the group. They have the same 3 points as Malaysia U23, but coach Kim Sang-sik's team is ranked lower due to an inferior goal difference (+1 compared to +3).

To reach the semi-finals, Vietnam U23 must defeat their opponent (in the match on December 11th) to finish the group stage at the top. If they finish second in their group, Coach Kim's team will have to wait to see if they can compare their results with other second-placed teams. This is because only the best second-placed team among the three second-placed teams will qualify for the semi-finals.

However, favorable developments in groups A and C have paved the way for Vietnam U.23 to reach the semi-finals.

Vietnam U23 is in a relaxed mood ahead of their final match against Malaysia U23.

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

In Group A, U23 Singapore suffered a heavy 1-3 defeat against U23 Timor Leste. Meanwhile, in their opening match, U23 Timor Leste lost 1-6 to U23 Thailand. Therefore, regardless of the result of the final match between U23 Thailand and U23 Singapore, the second-placed team will only have a maximum of 3 points. In Group C, U23 Indonesia lost 0-1 to U23 Philippines, and U23 Myanmar also lost 0-2 to U23 Philippines. Regardless of the result of the U23 Indonesia vs. U23 Myanmar match in the final round, the second-placed team in Group C cannot have more than 3 points.

A clear opportunity

Therefore, U23 Vietnam only needs a draw against U23 Malaysia to secure a place in the semi-finals as the best second-placed team in the group. With 4 points, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team would then be more secure than other second-placed teams with a maximum of 3 points.

If they lose to U23 Malaysia, U23 Vietnam will only have 3 points and will have to compare their goal difference with other second-placed teams. This is a risky scenario that could lead to Dinh Bac and his teammates being eliminated early.

Nevertheless, the Vietnam U23 team will be determined to defeat Malaysia U23 to advance to the semi-finals as group winners. Under coach Kim, the Vietnam U23 team has a perfect winning record against Southeast Asian teams, such as Laos U23 (2-1, 3-0), Cambodia U23 (2-1), Philippines U23 (2-1), Indonesia U23 (1-0), and Singapore U23 (1-0).

Although Vietnam U23 won 5 out of 6 matches against Southeast Asian teams, the victory was minimal, but that's enough for the long race. The victory itself is more important than how it's won.

Their playing style may not be polished yet, but the Vietnam U23 team possesses the tenacity and composure to decide the match. In the difficult final group stage match against Malaysia U23, it's likely that coach Kim Sang-sik's team will once again secure a victory.