U22 Vietnam vs U22 Thailand: Identifying the Southeast Asian Football King (VTV5 Live Broadcast of the SEA Games 33 Men's Football Final)
Amidst the fervent atmosphere at Rajamangala, the SEA Games 33 final represents a duel between old power and new determination, with Thailand striving to reclaim their former throne and Vietnam calmly entering a phase of stability.
There is no doubt this is the most eagerly awaited matchup in Southeast Asia, a "classic" rewritten by each generation. Meeting for the sixth time in a SEA Games final, what remains between Thai and Vietnamese football is not the gap but the faith—who believes in themselves more at the critical moment.
1. Three consecutive SEA Games without a title have been a long silence for Thai football. They still maintain the image of a major force, but their past glory has dimmed. Hence, U22 Thailand’s campaign this year carries the tone of wounded pride.
Like Vietnam, this is Thailand’s third final in the last four SEA Games, but the difference is that they still lack a gold medal while Vietnam achieved a double in 2019 and 2022 to complete the "golden dream," including a victory over Thailand at Mỹ Đình. Although SEA Games is for U22 teams, for Thailand, not securing gold at the Southeast Asian Games on home soil is surely unacceptable.
Big wins in the group stage, 6-1 over Timor Leste and 3-0 over Singapore, demonstrate that U22 Thailand still has the offensive power to dominate weaker opponents. Yet in the semifinals, even with a one-player advantage, they struggled to overcome U22 Malaysia by a single goal. Coach Damrong Ongtrakul openly expressed concern about what his players lack: the initiative in pressure moments.
Thailand depends on Yotsakorn Burapha, rated as the most versatile player at SEA Games 33. Standing 1.84m tall, skilled with both feet, capable of scoring from any spot, Yotsakorn has contributed to 6 of the team’s 10 goals. But this clear reliance might cause the "young elephants" to lose attacking variety, which Vietnam can exploit.
2. U22 Vietnam reached the final following a champion’s path: pragmatic, controlled, and very resilient. The opponents U22 Vietnam defeated were tougher than those faced by U22 Thailand, representing a "gold standard" quality.
How we handled Malaysia and the Philippines shows a system where discipline and patience are prioritized. Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team, and his leadership style, need not be flashy but always know how to win at the most crucial moments.
U22 Vietnam is expected to claim the title right at Rajamangala, continuing the success of the Vietnam national team at the 2024 ASEAN Cup. Photo: Tuấn Phạm
It may be uneven, but U22 Vietnam is a team with far better organization and rhythm adjustment than their senior national team counterparts. It is clear that in U22 Vietnam, no position is fixed.
Every time Coach Kim makes a substitution, the system shifts to a different state and playing rhythm. This is the weapon U22 Vietnam will use to prevent Thailand from imposing their usual dominance on the game.
3. At Rajamangala, Thailand has home advantage, but recent history does not favor them. In the last five meetings, Vietnam won three and drew two. It was at this stadium in January this year that Coach Kim Sang Sik led Vietnam to lift the 2024 ASEAN Cup trophy.
Neither side has a complete advantage, and caution may be the prevailing theme throughout the final. Perhaps more than ever, individual performances will decide this match.
For U22 Vietnam, three key factors must be maintained: tightly marking Yotsakorn, dragging Thailand into a physical battle where they often tire after the 70th minute, and keeping constant pressure on the host’s somewhat shaky defense.
Conversely, whether they want to or not, U22 Thailand will try to control the match from the beginning. Home pressure and existing wounds will force them to show strength and disrupt Vietnam’s stable structure, forcing the opponent to play at their pace. They are confident with a flourishing Yotsakorn…
But U22 Vietnam also has their star: Nguyễn Đình Bắc. He is the kind of player who "does it himself," with fast dribbles that break through the opposing defense. Yet, when necessary, Đình Bắc can still combine with teammates to create chances for others.
So far, Đình Bắc has not left a mark as a "penalty box assassin," but he is the soul of the attacking plays, a number 9 that Vietnamese football has not had for a long time.
Finally, Coach Kim Sang Sik has the "time trap." U22 Vietnam will play like a cold diamond block: proactive defense, conserving energy, and waiting for the opponent’s impatience. As the match approaches its final minutes, the introduction of strategically fast substitutes will be the decisive blow against the exhausted legs of the Thais. This pragmatic and tough scenario is the shortest path to defeat the "War Elephants" on their home turf.
Expected lineups
- U22 Vietnam: Trung Kiên; Nhật Minh, Hiểu Minh, Lý Đức, Phi Hoàng, Thái Sơn, Quốc Cường, Minh Phúc, Thanh Nhàn, Đình Bắc, Văn Khang.
- U22 Thailand: Sorawat Phosaman, Chanon Tamma, Chanapach Buaphan, Seksan Ratree, Sittha Boonlha, Yotsakon Burapha, Thanakrit Chotmuangpak, Sirapop Wandee, Pichitchai Sienkratok, Iklas Sanron, Phon-Ek Maneekorn.
Prediction: 2-1
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