Vietnam U22 saves Indonesia, pushes Malaysia to the brink of death.

U22 Malaysia has been pushed down to second place in Group B by U22 Vietnam. Coach Nafazi's team retains 3 points but their goal difference has decreased to +1. U22 Malaysia now lacks control over their own destiny and must wait for the final two matches in Groups A and C to determine if they can be the best-performing second-placed team.

In Group C, U22 Indonesia currently has 0 points and a goal difference of -1. The Indonesian team will face U22 Myanmar in their final match. U22 Indonesia needs to win against U22 Myanmar 3-0 to have a 99% chance of reaching the semi-finals. If U22 Indonesia wins 2-0, they and U22 Malaysia will both have 3 points and a goal difference of +1, but they will still be eliminated because they will have a lower tie-breaking criterion (total goals scored).

Vietnam U22's victory also opens up hope for Singapore U22. In their final match, Singapore U22 will face Thailand U22. Singapore U22 needs to win 4-0 to surpass Malaysia U22's record, or even a very large margin to ensure they beat both teams in Group C, but this is highly unlikely.

Ultimately, the power to decide their fate regarding second place in the group and qualification for the semi-finals now rests with U22 Indonesia. The defending champions need a resounding victory against U22 Myanmar, who lost to U22 Philippines, to determine their own destiny.

Indonesian media were thrilled when Vietnam U22 defeated Malaysia U22. Bola reported that Vietnam U22's victory opened a wide door for Indonesia U22 to advance from the group stage. Previously, Indonesian media were concerned about the scenario where Vietnam U22 and Malaysia U22 would agree to advance after a draw.

Conversely, Malaysian media are fearful of a worst-case scenario for their team. The New Straits Times stated that their fate now rests in the hands of the Indonesian U22 team. The Star expressed disappointment at their team's loss to the Vietnamese U22 team, realizing that from a position of dominance in Group B, they now have to hope that the Indonesian U22 team doesn't win heavily against the Myanmar U22 team.