Malaysia determined to compete for gold, 'playing tricks' with Vietnam and Thailand at SEA Games

The schedule for both men's and women's futsal of the Vietnamese team at the 29th SEA Games is unfavorable. In the women's futsal event, host Malaysia does not hide its ambition to win a medal.

Five countries have registered to compete in the men's and women's futsal events at the 29th SEA Games, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar and host Malaysia. Of these, Thailand has reached continental level, surpassing the rest.

Thanks to good investment in recent years, Vietnam has increasingly affirmed its second place position and is rising to compete with its rivals. Malaysia, especially women's futsal, has also made significant progress. In 2013, the Malaysian women's futsal team won the bronze medal at the 27th SEA Games (Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar).

The men's futsal schedule at the SEA Games is disadvantageous to the host.

Ahead of the 29th SEA Games, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) set a target for the country's women's futsal team to win a bronze medal. However, according to Farah - a member of the Malaysian women's futsal team, their determination is to compete for the gold medal.

“Compared to 2013, Malaysia now has a balanced squad, with many young and ambitious players. The players play better together and are more cohesive. I believe Malaysia is capable of playing well against both Thailand and Vietnam to compete for the gold medal,” said Farah.

According to analysis, a more realistic goal for Malaysia is to compete for the silver medal with Vietnam. As mentioned above, Thailand has superior strength in both men's and women's events. The Thai women's futsal team won the championship three times in a row in 2007 (Nakhon Ratchasima), 2011 (Jakarta) and 2013 (Nay Pyi Taw). It is unclear whether because of this calculation, the host country has given a very unfavorable match schedule for Vietnam.

Specifically, according to the competition format, 5 teams will play a round robin to calculate points. The top two teams will play the gold medal match. The tournament starts from August 18 to 27. The schedule is announced by the host country's organizing committee, both the Vietnamese men's and women's teams will have to face Thailand, the strongest opponent, at the same time. In the opposite direction, Malaysia will face teams from easy to difficult, namely Myanmar (August 18), Indonesia (August 20), Vietnam (August 22) and finally Thailand (August 27).

With this schedule, the two strongest countries in the region, Thailand and Vietnam, will have to compete with each other right from the start. The disadvantage is likely to be on Vietnam's side. "If we lose, we will have psychological problems. This is something we will have to consider and discuss with the players when entering the tournament. No matter what, Vietnam is not afraid. If we play to our full potential, the silver medal is within our capabilities," said Tran Anh Tu, Standing Member of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).

According to the plan, on August 5, the futsal team will gather to prepare for the 29th SEA Games. Mr. Tran Anh Tu said that the team's personnel will be decided by coach Miguel Rodrigo. The VFF's view is that players with the best professional ability and form will have the opportunity.

“We have spent thousands of dollars to hire foreign experts, there is no reason not to make the most of their abilities and intelligence. Coach Miguel is the one who understands the strengths and weaknesses of each player best. Depending on the needs of the team, he is free to make his own decisions,” said Mr. Tran Anh Tu.

Men's futsal match schedule.

Women's futsal match schedule.

According to Zing