U22 Vietnam - U22 Vietnam: From winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup to reaching the final of SEA Games 33

The fierce battle between a disciplined, resilient U22 Vietnam under Kim Sang-sik and a determined U22 Thailand aiming to break their three-time consecutive championship drought and reaffirm regional dominance promises to be very exciting.

Historically, Thailand's men's football team has been a dominant force at the SEA Games, holding a record 16 titles. For decades before 2019, they were considered Vietnam's nemesis. Despite reaching deep stages and even finals, Vietnam's teams from the senior to U23 level often fell short against Thailand.

However, the balance of power has gradually shifted in recent years. The historic turning point came at SEA Games 30, when U23 Vietnam, led by coach Park Hang-seo, won their first gold medal in 60 years—not against Thailand but marking a strong resurgence.

The peak of this transformation happened at SEA Games 31, when Vietnam defeated Thailand 1-0 in the final. It was Vietnam's first-ever victory over Thailand in a SEA Games men's football final, ending a longstanding curse.

At SEA Games 33, both U22 Vietnam and U22 Thailand have made it to the final. U22 Vietnam beat U22 Philippines, while U22 Thailand convincingly overcame U22 Malaysia in the semifinals. As the host nation, Thailand is making great efforts to keep the gold medal on home soil.

U22 Thailand started SEA Games 33 with an impressive 6-1 win over U22 Timor Leste. They then dominated U22 Singapore 3-0. The "War Elephants" forwards have shown the best quality in the tournament with 9 goals scored.

Entering the semifinals as group leaders, U22 Thailand controlled the game and played with a numerical advantage after their opponent received a red card in the first half, yet they only managed a narrow 1-0 victory.

From the matches played so far, U22 Thailand has demonstrated an imposing attacking style, featuring quick passing and intelligent off-ball movement.

U22 Thailand boasts superior ball possession compared to their rivals, thanks to a technically skilled squad playing in Thai League 1 and 2, including key players from top clubs like Chanon Tamma, Chanapach Buaphan (BG Pathum United), Siraphop Wandee (Chonburi), Iklas Sanron (Prachuap), and Kakana Khamyok (Muangthong United).

The standout player for U22 Thailand so far is Yotsakorn Burapha, who plays in Singapore. He is contracted to Chonburi but currently on loan at Hougang United. In three matches, he has scored 6 goals, including a hat-trick against U22 Timor Leste, a double versus U22 Singapore, and the decisive goal against U22 Malaysia, putting him close to the top scorer title.

At this SEA Games, U22 Thailand is coached by Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, who previously played in the V-League for Dong Nai in 2006. His staff includes goalkeeper coach Phansa Meesattham, formerly with Hoang Anh Gia Lai and mentor to goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien. Their knowledge of Vietnamese football gives U22 Thailand an advantage in analyzing U22 Vietnam ahead of the final.

The final between U22 Thailand and U22 Vietnam will take place at Rajamangala Stadium, expected to generate an intense atmosphere. For Thailand, the pressure is immense as hosts with a strong desire to win gold after many years. SEA Games 33 final is their chance to reclaim the title and end a long streak of disappointment.

For U22 Vietnam, reaching the SEA Games 33 final is a well-deserved achievement for coach Kim Sang-sik and his team.

Under Kim Sang-sik’s leadership, U22 Vietnam has adopted a pragmatic, disciplined style that emphasizes balance over dominance. The Korean coach prioritizes solid defense, maintaining proper team shape, and quick transitions when opportunities arise.

U22 Vietnam functions as a united collective rather than relying on standout individuals, prepared to handle pressure and execute timely attacks. Their psychological stability and ability to control the game's tempo are major strengths, especially in knockout matches.

However, to secure the gold medal, the Korean strategist must address some weaknesses revealed, particularly since their final opponent is the host U22 Thailand.

Following the AFF Cup 2024 and U23 Southeast Asia 2025 titles, coach Kim Sang-sik faces another opportunity to achieve a significant milestone with U22 Vietnam. Their opponent this time is Vietnam’s longtime rival and host, U22 Thailand.

If Kim Sang-sik leads U22 Vietnam to the SEA Games 33 gold, he will become the first coach in Southeast Asian football history to win all three major titles: AFF Cup, U23 Southeast Asia, and SEA Games. He also stands a chance to make history by defeating Thailand twice in one year in the region’s most prestigious matches.

The 2024 ASEAN Cup championship won by Kim Sang-sik’s team in early 2025 brought joy and excitement to Vietnamese football fans. This result serves as a perfect momentum for the team to hopefully end the calendar year 2025 on a high note.

Regarding squad quality before this match, U22 Vietnam is rated slightly higher. Coach Kim Sang-sik has many players regularly competing in the V-League, with national team experience and long-term cohesion. These players are accustomed to high-level pressure and can quickly adapt to tactical demands, giving the coach multiple rotation and tactical adjustment options, which proved effective in difficult moments.

Players like Dinh Bac, Van Khang, Thai Son, and Trung Kien are all in excellent form with fiery spirit, promising an emotional final.

Meanwhile, U22 Thailand enters the final with some disruptions. Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul had to release seven key players back to their clubs since SEA Games is not during FIFA international windows.

A familiar script repeats at SEA Games 33 as Vietnam and Thailand meet at the decisive moment. The "dream final" for the gold medal will kick off at 19:30 on December 18. The Rajamangala "cauldron" is no longer unfamiliar territory for coach Kim Sang-sik, who won here with Vietnam at the 2024 ASEAN Cup and now has the chance to complete a double within one year.