Seagames 29: Vietnam has a fateful relationship with the Thai people

(Baonghean.vn) - Since 2001, when men's football had an age limit, this is the fourth time that the U22 Vietnam team has been in the same group with Thailand. Unlike many people, we think this is a "good omen" for Huu Thang and his team.

At all team levels, Vietnam and Thailand are rivals with many fates in the Southeast Asian region. According to our statistics since 1995, Vietnam has reached the SEA Games final 4 times when being in the same group with Thailand. The lucky draw of the 29th SEA Games this year has put the two teams in the same group B, alongside the remaining opponents including Indonesia, East Timor, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Respect

Vietnam U22 team lineup. Photo: Internet.

Upon learning the results of the draw, Mr. Laohakul, head of the FAT's professional department, rated coach Huu Thang and his team as the best in Group B. He shared: "I think Vietnam is the toughest opponent for Thailand in the group stage as well as in this year's tournament. They have 5-6 national players in their squad. We are not allowed to underestimate them."

Remember that Laohakul has a weighty voice on professional issues of Thai football. Of course, he is very knowledgeable about regional football so clearly the above sharing is not at all polite.

Since 2001, when men's football restricted the age of participation, U23 Vietnam has been in the same group with U23 Thailand 3 times. Those were in 2003, 2009 and 2015. Except for 2015, U23 Vietnam has reached the final twice and we usually have good results when in the same group with Thailand. Talking to the U23 players in the past, they said that when in the same group with Thailand, they often had to play at 100% of their ability to pass the group stage. Moreover, when passing the group stage, U23 Vietnam will almost always face Thailand again in the final.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Tuan Anh - Xuan Truong will be the pillars of U22 Vietnam. Photo: Internet.

If we consider purely technical factors, the teams in Group B of the 29th SEA Games will be at a disadvantage compared to the teams in Group A because they have to play one more match. However, in terms of "spirituality", being in the same group with Thailand is usually more lucky than unlucky. Not to mention, when being in a group of 6 teams, our U22 Vietnam team will have less opportunity to correct mistakes if they make mistakes. Avoiding the host U22 Malaysia will help our young players not be psychologically stressed by the "tricks" during the group stage.

Not to mention the draw schedule allows us to only meet U22 Thailand in the 3rd match after the first 2 matches against U22 East Timor and then U22 Cambodia. We can completely have 6 points before meeting U22 Thailand, who is considered the superior team compared to us. The Thais have made us cry countless times because of the sadness they caused on the field, but the players have not lost their confidence.

On the way to gold, we are not afraid of any opponent, meeting sooner or later is just a matter of time. We are completely confident and wish U22 Vietnam to be present in the final match of SEA Games 29.

AT