U22 Vietnam waiting for a favorable start

The Vietnam U22 team will face Laos U23 in the opening match of men's football at the 33rd SEA Games.

Vietnam U22 will open the SEA Games 33 campaign with a match against Laos U22 on December 3 in Bangkok. With long-term and serious preparation, the whole team is full of determination to start with 3 full points.

U22 Vietnam is ready for the opening match. Photo: VFF

Regarding the U22 Vietnam opening match being moved to December 3 instead of December 4 as previously scheduled, VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu said this change somewhat affected the preparation plan, but the whole team proactively responded.

Mr. Tran Anh Tu said: “The adjustment of the schedule forced us to make certain changes. VFF quickly built plans, including the possibility of competing in Bangkok or Chiangmai. When the 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee decided on the competition venue in Bangkok, VFF immediately sent two officials to the pre-position to prepare all logistics. Up to now, the team's travel process from entering the country to checking into the hotel has been smooth and convenient.”

Regarding the confrontation with U22 Laos in the opening match, VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu affirmed that the preparation of U22 Vietnam is not just limited to a few days of gathering in Ba Ria, but is a long process. Mr. Tran Anh Tu emphasized: "If we look at the gathering time after the 1/8 round of the National Cup, or the fact that some CAHN players arrived late, we can see that the time is urgent. But in reality, the U22 Vietnam squad has been stable and has been trained continuously for the past year.

We had three training trips in China, a quality training trip in Qatar, won the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, and then won all the matches in the 2026 Asian U23 qualifiers. That was a thorough and consistent preparation process to help the team reach the best condition for the 33rd SEA Games."

On the afternoon of December 2, a press conference was held in Bangkok before the group stage of Group B of the 33rd SEA Games men's football. Because the U22 Malaysia team has not arrived in Thailand and will not compete until December 6, the press conference was attended only by Head Coach of U22 Vietnam Kim Sang-sik and Head Coach of U22 Laos Ha Hyeok-jun.

Coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized the importance of the SEA Games to Vietnamese football and affirmed that the whole team has prepared thoroughly. He emphasized: “The SEA Games is a very important tournament for Vietnam. Tomorrow is the first match and it is also a very important match. We will focus our full attention on the immediate goal of passing the group stage.

The two teams have met many times. The last time, Vietnam won 2-0, but under coach Ha Hyeok-jun, Laos has made remarkable progress. He has had a big influence on Laos' playing style and team organization. I respect that very much."

Regarding his expectations for the 33rd SEA Games, Mr. Kim Sang-sik said: “Vietnam will try its best to achieve the best results. In Southeast Asia, all teams have enthusiastic support from fans. I hope we can together contribute to the development of football in the region.

This is my first time attending the SEA Games. I thank the fans, whether they come directly to the stadium or watch on TV, for always supporting the team. We will try to bring joy and the best results."

With the new format of the group with only 3 teams, U22 Vietnam will be in a group with challenges waiting. We need to have a favorable result against U22 Laos before entering the decisive match with U22 Malaysia. This is the beginning, opening up new opportunities to aim for the championship goal of coach Kim Sang-sik and his team.

U22 Laos shows determination

In his speech, head coach Ha Hyeok-jun used a Chinese proverb to talk about the preparation of U22 Laos: “There is a saying: “Whatever man does, Heaven sees.” We have tried our best and prepared very carefully. As for the results tomorrow or the following matches, perhaps only Heaven knows.”

Coach Ha Hyeok-jun also praised Vietnamese football and coach Kim Sang-sik: “I have known coach Kim Sang-sik for a long time. He is a good coach and has built a strong team. Having the chance to face his team, I believe that the Lao team will become more mature.”

Talking about the competition opportunities of U22 Laos, coach Ha Hyeok-jun said: “In terms of format, we have a great chance to pass the group stage if we win one and draw. The road to the semi-finals is not easy. We have tried our best and prepared as best as possible.”

On the occasion of Lao National Day, December 2, Mr. Ha Hyeok-jun expressed his wish that his team will play with all their heart to give fans a beautiful match. “Laos is a country with about 7-8 million people, the population may be the smallest in the region, but football fans here are very passionate. Vietnamese fans also love football no less.

“Although the population size or country is different, the love for football is the same. Today is Laos’ National Day, I hope we can give our best to bring a good match,” said coach Ha Hyeok-jun.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/the-thao/u22-viet-nam-cho-khoi-dau-thuan-loi-i789928/