Thai newspaper: It's time to acknowledge Vietnam's superiority.
Following the defeat in the SEA Games 33 final, Thailand's Daily News published an insightful analysis, arguing that Vietnam's football standing is not due to luck but rather the result of a systematic development process.
Following the defeat of the U22 Thailand team to U22 Vietnam in the men's football final of the 33rd SEA Games, the Daily News, one of Thailand's major media outlets, published a frank commentary, urging fans and experts in the country to face the truth: Vietnamese football has truly surpassed them.
The article emphasizes that the home defeat was not an accident or a personal mistake, but the inevitable consequence of a process in which Thai football has fallen behind. The newspaper argues that this defeat is a necessary wake-up call.
The harsh truth and the call for change.
According to the Daily News, the biggest pain isn't the silver medal, but the fact that many people still cling to the past, refusing to accept that Thailand's status as "King of Southeast Asia" no longer belongs to them. The newspaper points out that if they continue to cite familiar excuses such as the match schedule, declining physical fitness, or inadequate preparation, Thai football will not be able to progress.
"Vietnam is better than Thailand today not because of luck, but because they have acknowledged that they were once inferior to us, and then turned that into motivation to reform and break through," wrote the Daily News. The newspaper argued that it was this courage to face reality that helped Vietnamese football make significant strides at all levels.
Superior composure and competitive spirit.
Analyzing the final match, Daily News acknowledged that the U22 Thailand team had an excellent first half, leading 2-0. However, when U22 Vietnam changed tactics, increased pressure, and showed their mettle, the home team quickly collapsed. The comeback by the Vietnamese players not only demonstrated their professional ability but also their superior mental fortitude and organization.
Repeated defeats against Vietnam in important tournaments like the ASEAN Cup and SEA Games show that the gap between the two footballing nations is not only narrowing, but the advantage is shifting towards Vietnam. This stems from a stable youth training system, a long-term development orientation, and synchronization throughout the entire system.
Finally, the article urged Thai fans to stop their emotional criticism and start looking at the issue realistically to find solutions. “Vietnam has been better than Thailand for a long time, and it’s important that we learn from how they rose to the top,” the newspaper concluded. This is considered a rare and frank perspective from the Thai media, showing a shift in perception of the regional football landscape.