Vietnam's futsal team finalizes 14 players, eliminates 6 before the match against Malaysia.
Coach Diego Giustozzi's Vietnamese futsal team departed for the 33rd SEA Games on the morning of December 13th, finalizing their 14-player squad. Two players are absent due to injury; their opening match will be against Malaysia.
The Vietnamese futsal team has finalized its 14-player roster for the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, with six players dropped just before departure. Coach Diego Giustozzi emphasized that the opening match against Malaysia is crucial, given that the team will have to play four consecutive matches in four days in a round-robin format.
Shortlist and 6 names missing
According to the regulations for the men's futsal event at the 33rd SEA Games, coach Diego Giustozzi announced the official 14-player squad; 6 players who were not registered to compete will continue training with their respective clubs, including:
- Goalkeeper Luu Thanh Bao
- Ala Nguyen Tien Hung
- Ala Nguyen Hoang Quan
- Ala Tran Thai Huy
- Ala Chau Doan Phat
- Pivo Nguyen Van Tuan
Among these, the absence of two experienced alabaster athletes, Tran Thai Huy and Chau Doan Phat, attracted attention as both had not yet reached their best form due to injuries sustained during the preparation phase.
Four matches in four days and the coach's emphasis.
Commenting on the schedule and the level of competition, coach Diego Giustozzi said: “With the round-robin format, every upcoming match is a final; there’s no room for error. The opening match against Malaysia is the most important, because they are improving very quickly and are getting closer to us. The team must focus completely on each match.”
The team departed for Thailand on the morning of December 13th. This is the last of the four Vietnamese football and futsal teams to officially begin their journey at the Games.
Format and competitors
The men's futsal competition at the 33rd SEA Games features five teams: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar, competing in a round-robin format to determine the final standings.
Vietnam Futsal Team's Schedule at SEA Games 33
| Day | Competitor |
|---|---|
| 16/12 | Malaysia |
| 17/12 | Indonesia |
| 18/12 | Thailand |
| 19/12 | Myanmar |
Tactical perspective
The schedule of four matches in four days forces the coaching staff to optimize rotation and manage fitness. The absence of two experienced players creates a clear need for balanced personnel on the flanks, especially during transitional periods. The opening match against Malaysia – an opponent the coach considers to be rapidly improving – could shape the mindset and point trajectory for the remainder of the tournament.
Captain Pham Duc Hoa said that the Vietnamese futsal team is heading into the SEA Games 33 with the highest determination.
