The secret to Vietnam U22's victory over Thailand: A physical fitness revolution.
Winning the SEA Games 33 gold medal after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory, the Vietnam U22 team demonstrated their superiority not only in technique but also in their enduring physical fitness.
A historic comeback at Rajamangala
On the night of December 18, 2025, the Rajamangala Stadium witnessed the writing of a new chapter in Vietnamese football. The Vietnam U22 team made history with a spectacular comeback, winning 3-2 against their arch-rivals Thailand U22 after trailing 0-2, securing the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games. This victory was not just a title, but also a testament to a pivotal shift in youth training philosophy: physical fitness.
The difference is called physical.
In a rare move, Thai media unanimously praised the Vietnamese U22 team. Leading sports newspapers in the country noted that the Golden Star Warriors' victory stemmed from their composure and superior physical fitness. The contrast was evident on the field: while Thai stars like Yotsakon Burapha and Seksan Ratree showed signs of fatigue and had to leave the field early, Coach Kim Sang-sik's players maintained intense pressure until the very last seconds.
Even with substitute players on the field, the strength of the Vietnam U22 team did not diminish. Players like Thanh Nhàn and Văn Thuận came off the bench and became heroes, contributing to a spectacular comeback.
Scientific nutrition: The secret weapon
The image of center-back Pham Ly Duc pushing forward to participate in attacks and contributing to goals is the clearest evidence of the results of a systematic investment process. Coming from the first graduating class of the Nutifood Football Academy, Ly Duc possesses superior physique and tackling strength, overcoming the inherent weaknesses of Vietnamese players in the past.
This success is no accident. It is the result of a scientifically designed, personalized nutritional plan that has been strictly implemented since the players were 11-12 years old. Experts at the Nutifood Academy have solved the problem of how to help players develop intelligent football thinking while meeting the stringent physical standards of top-level football.
A solid foundation for the future.
The SEA Games 33 championship, along with the U23 Southeast Asian title in 2025, shows that Vietnamese football is heading in the right direction. A new generation of talent, including Ly Duc, Nhat Minh, Quoc Viet, and goalkeeper Trung Kien, has proven that Vietnamese players can possess a tall, strong physique without losing their inherent skill and technique.
As coach Kim Sang-sik shared, these titles are a well-deserved reward for the sweat and relentless effort. It's not just about hard training on the field, but also about discipline in daily life and long-term investment in nutrition. With a generation of players possessing superior physical attributes, Vietnamese football now has a solid foundation to confidently aim for bigger continental competitions.
