Surprise from Timor Leste
Before the match with U22 Singapore, U22 Timor Leste suffered a heavy 1-6 loss to host U22 Thailand. This makes experts not have much faith in this team.
However, a surprise happened at Rajamangala on the evening of December 6 when U22 Timor Leste brought excitement with their attacking style of play and a positive result. They beat Singapore U22 with a score of 3-1, thereby ending the group stage journey with 3 points (number coefficient -4).
The victory of U22 Timor Leste over U22 Singapore caused the situation of Group A to change compared to the initial prediction. Accordingly, U22 Thailand only needs to draw with U22 Singapore in the final round to ensure the group lead with a ticket to the semi-finals of the 33rd SEA Games.
Even when losing to the Lion Island representative by 3 goals or less, the home team still ensures the top spot. At that time, all 3 teams of Thailand, Singapore, Timor Leste had 3 points, but the Golden Temple team had a goal difference of +2, ranked above Singapore (+1) and Timor Leste (4).
Regardless of the result of the match between U22 Thailand and U22 Singapore, the second team in Group A only achieved a maximum of 3 points. This is a good sign for the teams that are likely to be second in Group B and C. Because U22 Vietnam, U22 Malaysia (Group B) or U22 Indonesia, Philippines (Group C) are forced to eliminate an opponent in the competition for a ticket to the semi-finals if they are 2nd with 4 points or more in the final.
U22 Vietnam still needs to decide for themselves
Returning to Group B, U22 Malaysia took advantage of the opportunity to compete after U22 Vietnam to have a more big win against U22 Laos. With 3 points and a goal difference of +3, Malaysia has more opportunities than Vietnam (3 points, a goal difference of +1) in the race for the top spot.
Coach Nafuzi Zain and his team only need a draw against U22 Vietnam to secure the top spot and win a direct ticket to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Khuat Van Khang and his teammates must beat Malaysia if they want to secure their place in the next round.
Being second in Group B could help Mr. Kim Sang-sik's team top the second team in Group A. However, that does not mean that U22 Vietnam will have a more favorable result than the second team in Group C.
Remember, the final round of Group C takes place 1 day after the match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Malaysia. Of course, the Philippines or Indonesia will try their best to achieve higher scores or goal difference. Therefore, U22 Vietnam cannot take any risks.
Coach Hoang Anh Tuan shared: I find it positive that U22 Vietnam had to beat U22 Malaysia to top Group B. In the context of not having many options, the players will focus more and focus more to achieve the goal of defeating the Ma.
With current strength, along with a year-long preparation journey, I have great confidence that U22 Vietnam will win 6 absolute points in the group stage of this SEA Games".
Meanwhile, coach Ha Hyeok-jun of U22 Laos commented: Maybe U22 Malaysia is better than U22 Vietnam in terms of goal difference, but that does not mean Malaysia is stronger than Vietnam. Football is not a bridge. Taking their victory over us to compare with the previous result between Vietnam and Laos is really unreasonable. When the two teams face each other directly, we will know which team is stronger and has more strength".
The match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Malaysia takes place at 16:00 on December 11. The right to decide for the semi-finals is still in the hands of Mr. Kim Sang-sik and his team.
The Korean strategist is also eager to defeat the Maads, after suffering injuries in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers held last June.
