Thailand has been powerless against Vietnamese youth football for the past 8 years

Over nearly a decade, Vietnamese youth football has quietly established a new balance with Thailand, losing only one match across U17 to U23 levels, reflecting a clear shift in regional standing.

Many might not notice, but the last time Thai men’s football won the SEA Games gold medal was back in 2017. It was also at that tournament where Thailand’s youth teams recorded their final victories over Vietnam at U19, U22, and U23 levels, including a 3-0 group stage win at SEA Games 29 in August 2017. Since then, the head-to-head balance in Southeast Asian youth football has gradually shifted.

From 2017 until now, Vietnamese youth teams including U17, U20, U22, and U23 have faced Thailand 22 times in official and friendly international matches. The results show Vietnam won 11 matches, drew 10, and lost only once. Vietnam scored a total of 28 goals while conceding just 12. These numbers indicate not merely balance but a sustained advantage.

The only defeat occurred in the semifinals of the 2024 U16 Southeast Asia Championship in Indonesia, where Vietnam lost 1-2. Apart from that loss, Vietnam has not been beaten by Thailand at any youth level for nearly a decade. Notably, this was one of the rare matches where Vietnam was defeated under significant physical and personnel pressure.

At the U23 and U22 levels, the key milestone came after SEA Games 29 in 2017. Since then, Vietnam has remained unbeaten in 10 consecutive matches against Thailand, with 6 wins and 4 draws. This streak includes three major finals: U23 Southeast Asia Championship 2022, SEA Games 31, and SEA Games 33, moments that clearly demonstrated Vietnam’s composure and match organization.

At U20 level, the gap is even wider. The last time Vietnam lost to Thailand at this level was in 2015. Since then, the teams have met 10 times, with Vietnam winning 6, drawing 4, scoring 9 goals and conceding only 3. At U17, Vietnam also maintained an unbeaten streak before it ended at the 2024 U16 Southeast Asia semifinals.

The regional context also helps clarify this change. While many Southeast Asian teams often rely on one generation of players or a short period, Vietnam has maintained relatively smooth succession across age groups. This continuity helps youth teams avoid “losing rhythm” when entering major matches, especially against Thailand.

The 3-2 victory of Vietnam’s U22 team at Rajamangala Stadium in the SEA Games 33 final epitomizes this journey. Not only did it end Thailand’s long home winning streak since 1975, but it also confirmed that Vietnam’s youth advantage is not a temporary phenomenon but the result of years of steady development.