Vietnam U22 team is considering not attending the opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's team is likely to miss the opening ceremony on the evening of December 9th at Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok) to conserve energy for the match against U22 Malaysia on December 11th, which is considered the "Group B final".
The Vietnam U22 team is considering not attending the SEA Games 33 opening ceremony on the evening of December 9th. This decision aims to ensure the team's fitness and focus for the match against Malaysia U22 on December 11th, which is considered the "Group B final." Malaysia has an advantage in tie-breaking criteria and points, needing only a draw to advance, while coach Kim Sang-sik's team must win.
Why consider being absent from the opening ceremony?
Between the two matches, the Vietnam U22 team has a break of almost a week: after their opening match against Laos U22 on December 3rd, they won't play the next match until December 11th. However, the opening ceremony on the evening of December 9th at Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok) lasted about 2-3 hours, plus travel and waiting time, which could deplete their energy and cause unnecessary fatigue.
Given the need to optimize every detail for the crucial match, the coaching staff is seriously considering having the entire team stay at their training camp to rest and maintain focus, instead of attending the opening ceremony at the stadium.
Key timeframe and pressure in Group B
- December 3rd: Vietnam U22 plays its opening match against Laos U22.
- December 9th: Opening ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games at Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok).
- 11/12: Vietnam U22 faces Malaysia U22 in a decisive match for qualification from Group B.
The current situation presents a clear dilemma: U22 Malaysia, with their advantage in goal difference and points, only need a draw to advance to the semi-finals. U22 Vietnam must secure all three points to determine their own fate. In this context, every break and every decision regarding travel and daily activities is carefully considered.
Tactical perspective: prioritizing volume and focus.
From a fitness management perspective, cutting short a lengthy activity right before a crucial match helps the team maintain their preparation rhythm. Instead of traveling and waiting at a large stadium in the evening, the entire team can dedicate time to recovery, mental refreshment, and refining tactical details for a single goal: victory against U22 Malaysia.
At the level of short-term competitions, the advantage is created not only on the ball but also from off-field options: less distraction, more focus. That's why the decision of whether or not to attend the opening ceremony becomes part of the competition plan.
A snapshot from the tournament bracket.
The group stage also witnessed a comical situation: the Laos U22 team completed two matches and lost both, officially being eliminated on December 6th, even before the SEA Games 33 torch was lit on December 9th. This detail highlights the unique schedule and fragmented nature of the group stage.
In that context, the U22 Vietnam team's decision to consider absenting themselves from the opening ceremony reflects the ultimate priority: conserving energy and focusing absolutely on the 90 minutes that will determine their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
