U22 Philippines topped the group after a 2-0 victory over U22 Mynamar and especially defeated defending champion U22 Indonesia 1-0. This achievement helped the Philippine men's football enter the semi-finals of the SEA Games men's football for the first time in 34 years.
Meanwhile, U22 Vietnam topped Group B when they beat U22 Laos 2-1 and beat U22 Malaysia 2-0. led by coach Kim Sang-sik, U22 Vietnam is rated higher than U22 Philippines and the team's only goal is to win a ticket to the final.
The players have set a very clear goal for the whole team before the SEA Games, which is to enter the semi-finals and win medals. We will enjoy a break, after playing 2 matches in 4 days, recharging both mentally and physically before the semi-finals, said U22 Philippines coach Garrath McPherson.
To be sure to win the SEA Game 33 medal, U22 Philippines must defeat U22 Vietnam. This goal is completely feasible, based on what they have shown over the past time.
U22 Philippines is a team with many young talents, currently training and competing at a number of clubs in the US, Ciep, Germany, England, Belgium, Japan... They have shown continuous progress over the past time. Their victory over U22 Indonesia - a team with many naturalized players who have played for the Indonesian national team in the World Cup qualifiers - clearly showed their ability.
However, U22 Vietnam has reason to be confident in their victory against U22 Philippines. A few months ago, the two teams met in the semi-finals of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship. At that time, U23 Philippines took the lead but then lost 1-2.
The players of the two teams have known each other very well and the upcoming SEA Games 33 semi-final between U22 Vietnam vs U22 Philippines will certainly be very exciting and dramatic.
The semi-final match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Philippines takes place on December 15.
