What did the Thai coach say about the prospect of facing Vietnam in the U23 Southeast Asian semi-finals?

Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul of Thailand U23

Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul said: “I always tell the players that I aim to make the team champions. And to do that, we have to prepare very carefully, we have to be ready to face any opponent.

We may face Vietnam, the Philippines and even the host Indonesia. But for every opponent, we still have to try and prepare well. We have to consider each step to achieve that goal."

In the final match, Thailand will meet Myanmar and only need a draw to officially advance as the top team of Group C. According to the bracket, the first team of Group C and the first team of Group B will meet each other if the second team of Group A cannot continue. And once both the first and second teams of Group A reach the semi-finals, the first team of Group C will meet the first team of Group A and the first team of Group B will face the second team of Group A.

The possibility of Indonesia taking the lead and one of the Philippines/Malaysia advancing is likely to happen. Then in the semi-finals, Vietnam will face Philippines/Malaysia and Thailand will face Indonesia.

Challenges await U23 Thailand but Mr. Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul believes that his team will have to overcome everything to complete the task of winning the tournament. Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul said: "The first match of the tournament is always difficult, but we are satisfied because we have taken 3 points.

I think all the teams in the tournament are strong. Today's match against Timor Leste was not easy. But we succeeded. Thailand must always be ready to face any opponent. Because we came here to win the championship."

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ live onFPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn