Two tense and dramatic semi-final matches.

Every manager wants to "settle" the semi-final match within the tense 90 minutes, and everyone wants to pull out all the stops to finish off their opponent in the shortest possible time.

But in reality, no one, from Polking to Shin Tae-yong or from Maloney to Park Hang-seo, was able to do it in the semi-finals of the men's football tournament at the 31st SEA Games, because of the strategic thinking of each person and the fierce determination of each player in each team.

It's a tense, one-on-one battle where no risks are allowed, so both teams are cautious, at least in their own half. Therefore, there are very few opportunities for breakthroughs down the flanks or central attacking combinations. The ball might be passed to the wings and crossed into the box, but getting past a tight defense in these moments is extremely difficult.

Vietnam U23 team in the semi-final match. Photo: Hai Hoang

The game is therefore incredibly tense, and opportunities for conflict arise from carelessness or actions perceived as intentional, easily leading to arguments, physical altercations, fights, and often undesirable outcomes. While goals are scored very rarely and are often close, yellow and red cards are numerous and issued in rapid succession.

Tien Linh's celebration during the semi-final match against U23 Malaysia. Photo: Hai Hoang

In the final minutes of extra time in the first semi-final between U23 Thailand and U23 Indonesia, during a foul attempt to stop an opponent, U23 Thailand substitute William received his second yellow card, resulting in a red card. He was forced to leave the field in a prolonged fit of anger, sparking a subsequent mass brawl that led to three red cards for U23 Indonesia players: Firsa, Irianto, and even veteran Ricky. The team, with its strong squad and ambition, suffered a heavy blow after failing to achieve the desired result and being knocked out of the semi-finals. It's difficult to predict how they will perform in the upcoming bronze medal match.

Also in the final minutes of the two extra time periods of the second semi-final match, following a foul by Vietnam U23 center-back Tien Long on a Malaysia U23 striker, resulting in a yellow card, a deliberate action by an opposing player prompted goalkeeper Van Toan and his teammates to intervene, leading to them receiving unfortunate yellow cards.

Those were incredibly tense and dramatic events in the two semi-final matches, both lasting 120 minutes with various clashes and arguments, big and small, that damaged the strength of both winning teams and propelled them to the final. But clearly, what was evident was that upon reaching the semi-finals, all four teams showed their true strength, something that had been kept hidden in the group stage. The winning team was the one that capitalized on opportunities better, had star players who shone at the right moments, and it's difficult to say that the losing team was the weaker one.

U23 Indonesia launched relentless attacks but failed to convert them into goals, while U23 Thailand demonstrated the resilience of a team with a rich tradition and the necessary composure in crucial moments. U23 Malaysia defended brilliantly for 90 minutes and nearly 30 minutes of extra time but succumbed to a set piece, their stamina depleted to the point of exhaustion – a weakness that will not be easily overcome. U23 Vietnam played proactively, but their ability to penetrate the defense remains questionable. Ultimately, the home team thrived thanks to their trio of players over 23 years old, their ability to control the game, their relentless fighting spirit, and especially their ability to capitalize on set-piece opportunities – something not every team can do, especially in difficult, decisive matches. Remarkably, both the Vietnamese men's and women's football teams won their semi-final matches from set pieces, thanks to brilliant performances from Hung Dung-Tien Linh and Tuyet Dung-Huynh Nhu.

Ultimately, things returned to the familiar order as the Vietnam U23 team faced the Thailand U23 team in the final, recreating the history of the 2003 SEA Games, which coincided with the brilliant performance of Van Quyen - the Golden Boy of that era. The only difference is that this is an opportunity for Coach Park Hang-seo to settle the score with his counterpart Polking regarding the recent defeat in the 2021 AFF Cup semi-final, and for the younger players to repay the debt owed to their predecessors Van Quyen and Thanh Binh, and to retain the gold medal in men's football that Quang Hai handed over nearly three years ago.

Chau Phu