U22 Vietnam entered the opening match of the 33rd SEA Games against U22 Laos with many personnel options. Of course, coach Kim Sang-sik will balance the winning goal and calculate the long way for the group stage.
In the goalkeeper position, it is very likely that the Korean strategist will give young goalkeeper Cao Van Binh a chance, even though Tran Trung Kien is considered the number one goalkeeper. Stable performance at the Panda Cup 2025, especially the saves against U22 China, helped Van Binh score points in the eyes of the coaching staff.
Meanwhile, the central defender trio will be Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Hieu Minh and Nguyen Nhat Minh. The ability to pass the ball and start the attack from the back of Hieu Minh and Nhat Minh will play an important role in breaking the dense defense that U22 Laos can deploy.
The two wings of U22 Vietnam are likely to have the appearance of the duo Pham Minh Phuc and Khuat Van Khang, while Anh Quan and Nguyen Phi Hoang are considered quality options when needing to renew their playing style in the second half.
Captain Van Khang, if deployed to retreat deeper, will still be able to support the attack with good technical foundation and speed.
In the midfield, Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Xuan Bac will be given the opportunity to be proficient and keep the rhythm of the match good, opening up opportunities for their teammates.
Up front, Dinh Bac is an almost irreplaceable factor thanks to his ability to rotate and create breakthroughs. Besides him, Thanh Nhan and Ngoc My are both options that can make a difference by using their ball-holding skills and penetrating the widespread defense of U22 Laos.
The confrontation between U22 Vietnam and U22 Laos takes place at 4:00 p.m. today (December 3) at Rajamangala Stadium.
Expected lineup of U22 Vietnam: Cao Van Binh, Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Nhat Minh, Pham Minh Phuc, Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Ngoc My.
