What scenario can U18 Vietnam still make it to the semi-finals?

After 4 matches in Group B of the 2019 Southeast Asian U19 tournament, U18 Vietnam has 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, with 7 points and is in 3rd place with a goal difference of +1. Meanwhile, with a 3-0 victory over Australia, U18 Malaysia has 9 points with the same opponent but has risen to the top of the table with a goal difference of +7, 1 goal more than Australia.

Results of 3 matches and standings after the end of the 4th round of matches of Group B of the U18 Southeast Asia tournament. Photo: VTC

Thus, in the final match against Cambodia U18, coach Hoang Anh Tuan's team has no choice but to be determined and make every effort to win with the biggest possible margin against their neighboring peers. If they can win with a score of more than 5 goals, the chances of Vietnam U18 will be much higher.

In addition to the victory over Thailand U18, Cambodia U18 has suffered 3 defeats, only having 3 points and a goal difference of -6. The chance to advance to the next round of this team is gone, but every time they face the Vietnamese team at all levels, Cambodia has never given up the ambition to cause trouble with great determination.

U18 Australia will be more serious with Singapore after the defeat against U18 Malaysia. Photo: VFF

The match between Malaysia and Thailand taking place at 3:30 p.m. (August 15) 4 hours before the match of U18 Vietnam will be a match of hope for U18 Vietnam and its fans. Although they are at the bottom of the table with a poor record, facing an opponent who seems to be their rival in Southeast Asia, the young Thai players will play with more effort and if they win with a difference of 2 goals or more, the opportunity for U18 Vietnam will be wider.

In the match against Australia taking place at 4:30 p.m., U18 Singapore only got 4 points after 4 matches and no longer had a chance to enter the semi-finals. Australia, after losing the match against U18 Malaysia, also had to consider more seriously.

Drawing with Thailand, U18 Vietnam lost the right to self-determination to enter the semi-finals. Photo: VFF

If the above two matches end in a draw, then U18 Vietnam must win by at least 6 goals to advance to the next round. This is a margin that even the most optimistic people can hardly imagine. The most hopeful thing would be that U18 Malaysia or Australia will unexpectedly stumble against weaker opponents.