U22 Vietnam with the goal of reaching the final of SEA Games 33 - Photo: QUANG THINH
On October 19, the draw ceremony for the 33rd SEA Games took place in Thailand. In men's football, U22 Vietnam fell into group B with Malaysia and Laos.
Since there are 10 countries participating in men's football, the organizers divided them into 3 groups with 2 groups of 3 teams and 1 group of 4 teams. The results of the last team in the group of 4 teams will not be counted.
Accordingly, the top 3 teams in each group and the second-placed team with the best record will advance to the semi-finals. The rule is that 2 teams that meet in the group stage will not meet again in the semi-finals.
Group B has 3 teams: Vietnam, Malaysia and Laos. U22 Vietnam is almost certain to win the group, but if Malaysia is the best second-placed team, it will be difficult for Vietnam in the semi-finals, according to the above principle.
Group A has the host team Thailand, U22 Cambodia and U22 Timor Leste. Thailand must take the top spot with a situation very similar to Group B of Vietnam.
Group C is a bit more complicated with 4 teams. The champion, the gold medalist of SEA Games 32, U22 Indonesia is the number 1 candidate. The Philippines and Myanmar are competing for the 2nd place.
Assessing the situation of the 3 groups, football expert Phan Anh Tu commented: "U22 Vietnam is quite easy in the group stage, the ticket to the top of the group is within our ability. However, it is likely that U22 Vietnam will meet the team that wins group A or C. The semi-final match will be much more difficult.
If we beat Malaysia, it would be better to meet the best second-place team in Group A or Group C. Because meeting the host Thailand is disadvantageous, and meeting the defending champion is also difficult.
Dinh Bac promises to shine at SEA Games 33 - Photo: QUANG THINH
"Comparing like that, the strength of U22 Vietnam is now more mature, disciplined and understands each other better after going through tournaments. Coach Kim Sang Sik has conveyed the playing ideas and this generation of players understands the philosophy of the Korean coach," Mr. Phan Anh Tu added.
Expert Phan Anh Tu believes that Malaysian youth football is not a cause for concern. "They have to review their squad after the naturalization scandal in the national team, which will affect the next generation," he said.
In general, Mr. Tu assessed: "In Southeast Asia, the teams are no longer strangers to each other, their level can be seen wherever they go. There are not many variables or surprises. You can rest assured with U22 Vietnam."
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/u22-viet-nam-se-nhan-o-vong-bang-vat-va-o-ban-ket-sea-games-33-20251019165350911.htm
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