Vietnam U22 needs to innovate; Malaysia welcomes reinforcements.
Despite winning 2-1 against Laos U22, Vietnam U22 still has many areas to improve. They changed their training schedule to scout Rajamangala Stadium before their match against Malaysia U22 on December 11th, when their opponents won 4-1, had reinforcements, and only needed a draw to top the group.
Vietnam U22 earned 3 points after a 2-1 victory over Laos U22, but their performance was unconvincing: wasted opportunities, weaknesses in set pieces, and a disorganized three-center-back defensive system. Meanwhile, Malaysia U22 defeated Laos 4-1, gained reinforcements, and according to Malaysian media, they only need a draw against Vietnam to secure first place in Group B. The Vietnam U22 coaching staff has changed their training schedule and is directly scouting the Rajamangala Stadium to prepare for the crucial match on December 11th at the SEA Games 33.
Analyzing the opening victory: three points, but still many blemishes.
U22 Vietnam dominated possession against U22 Laos, shifting their focus to attacking down the flanks, utilizing the speed and individual brilliance of Van Khang and Dinh Bac to break the deadlock. However, their finishing lacked sharpness, causing them to miss many opportunities, and a moment of lapse in concentration during a set piece nearly cost them their advantage.
Expert Dang Phuong Nam believes that coach Kim Sang-sik's team must simultaneously sharpen their finishing and immediately address the gaps in their three-man defensive structure. If the defensive block is not cohesive, any set-piece or counter-attack situation from the opponent could become a major risk.
The risk of being figured out if you only play on the flanks.
Another concern lies in the monotony of the game's tactics: a style of play that prioritizes safe control, with few through passes and few powerful long-range shots. Opponents like Laos, and soon Malaysia, can deploy a large number of players to block the flanks and disrupt the attacking rhythm. Without diversifying their options, the Vietnam U22 team easily falls into a "difficult at first, then successful" scenario, relying on opponent mistakes or individual moments.
Adjusting the plan: changing training schedule, scouting Rajamangala.
In an effort to "decipher" their opponent, the Vietnam U22 team moved their training session to the morning of December 6th under the scorching sun in Bangkok, dedicating the entire afternoon to observing the Malaysia U22 team directly at the Rajamangala Stadium. This on-site observation helped the coaching staff clearly identify Malaysia's speed, transitions, and attacking strategies after their 4-1 victory against Laos, allowing them to develop a suitable plan for December 11th.
Malaysia: confident, with sufficient players and a psychological advantage.
With a goal difference of +3 compared to Vietnam's +1, U22 Malaysia is temporarily leading Group B, and according to The Star and New Straits Times, the "Tigers" only need a draw against Vietnam to secure first place. This mindset allows them to choose their preferred defensive counter-attacking style of play, shifting the pressure to score onto U22 Vietnam.
Coach Nafuzi Zain confirmed that three key players, including captain Ubaidullah Shamsul, striker Fergus Tierney, and midfielder Izwan Yuslan, are joining the team in Thailand after completing their duties in the national league. These additions will strengthen the defense and increase the attacking threat of an already effective offense.
Group standings and path to the semi-finals
Group A witnessed a surprise as U22 Timor Leste defeated U22 Singapore 3-1, while U22 Thailand secured first place. As a result, the second-placed team in Group A will only have a maximum of 3 points and a low goal difference, giving a significant advantage to the teams in Group B in the race for the wildcard spot. With 3 points and a goal difference of +1, U22 Vietnam is currently guaranteed to finish above the second-placed team in Group A if the best second-place spot is used (in a scenario where it is necessary). However, the ultimate goal remains to finish first in the group to avoid relying on luck.
Key takeaways ahead of the December 11th match.
- Current form: Vietnam U22 beat Laos U22 2-1; Malaysia U22 beat Laos U22 4-1.
- Tactics: Vietnam needs to diversify its options, improve finishing, and enhance the cohesion of its three-man defense.
- Personnel: Malaysia welcomes Ubaidullah Shamsul, Fergus Tierney, and Izwan Yuslan.
- Psychology: Malaysia might opt for a more cautious approach, needing only a draw to finish top of the group.
- The situation: Vietnam has an advantage in the race for the best second place, but the goal is to win to secure their own destiny.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's challenge lies in breaking through Malaysia's dense defense with sharper central passes, improving finishing quality, and tightening the defensive links. A victory would help the Vietnam U22 team maintain confidence, avoid any unforeseen circumstances, and move closer to their ambition of defending their SEA Games 33 gold medal.
