Vietnam U22: Coach Kim Sang Sik wary of Laos U22.
Coach Kim Sang Sik emphasized that the opening match at 4 PM on December 3rd is crucial, stating that the U22 Laos team under Ha Hyeok Jun should not be underestimated, especially given the changes in the SEA Games 33 format.
“The opening match on December 3rd will be very important for the Vietnam U22 team.” Coach Kim Sang Sik's statement perfectly focuses on the match against Laos U22 – an opponent he considers much stronger under the leadership of coach Ha Hyeok Jun – in the context of the SEA Games 33 format tightening the semi-final qualification spots.
A cautious mindset and a message of discipline.
In the press conference before the group stage of the men's football tournament at the 33rd SEA Games, coach Kim Sang Sik affirmed that the Vietnam U22 team entered the tournament with maximum focus and a serious attitude. He repeatedly emphasized the importance of the first match, while also acknowledging the recent progress of Lao football.
Coach Kim said: “The opening match on December 3rd will be very important for the Vietnam U22 team. The head coach of the Laos U22 team, Ha Hyeok Jun, has helped the Laos team become much stronger. Therefore, tomorrow will be a very important match for our goal of advancing through the group stage. The whole team will focus on the match and seek the best possible result.”
He continued: “Laos and Vietnam have met many times at the national team level, with the Vietnamese team winning every time. But Mr. Ha has done very well in terms of tactics, management, organization... helping Laotian football progress.”
Pressure from the new format: smaller margin of error.
The 33rd SEA Games features 9 teams, divided into 3 groups for the first time; only the 3 group winners and the best-performing second-placed team advance to the semi-finals. In this structure, the opening match becomes a crucial test of strength: the early result will shape the overall standings, especially since the Vietnam U22 team only played 2 matches in the group stage.
The South Korean coach opted for a safe approach: respecting the opponent, prioritizing discipline and focus. He said: “I have great respect for the Laos U22 team. Tomorrow’s match will not be easy at all. We have prepared well, are focused, and have improved step by step. I expect both teams to play well in the upcoming match. Vietnam U22 will try to achieve our goal in tomorrow’s match.”
Competition and preparation context
- Group B: Vietnam U22, Laos U22, Malaysia U22.
- Schedule: Vietnam U22 will play Laos U22 at 4 PM on December 3rd; they will face Malaysia U22 eight days later.
- Venue and training: The team arrived in Thailand on December 1st and held its first training session at the RBAC University stadium; other teams were not allowed to practice at the Rajamangala stadium to protect the turf.
- Qualifying teams: The top three teams from each group and the best-performing second-place team advance to the semi-finals.
| Content | Information |
|---|---|
| Format | 9 teams, 3 groups, single round-robin format; the 3 group winners + 1 best runner-up advance to the semi-finals. |
| Vietnam U22's group | Group B includes U22 Laos and U22 Malaysia. |
| Opening match | At 4 PM on December 3rd, Vietnam U22 will play Laos U22. |
| Next match | We'll meet U22 Malaysia eight days later. |
| Prepare | Arrived in Thailand on December 1st; training at RBAC University Stadium; no training session at Rajamangala Stadium. |
History and the present: a cautionary tale.
At the national team level, Vietnam has a perfect record against Laos. However, coach Kim Sang Sik believes this data "no longer holds much significance" in the current context, especially since he assesses that the U22 Laos team has improved in tactics, management, and organization under coach Ha Hyeok Jun.
The significance of the opening match
With only two group stage matches and a small margin of error, a favorable start will give Vietnam U22 more tactical space before facing Malaysia U22 eight days later. The coaching staff's vision – emphasizing focus, discipline, and fighting spirit – accurately reflects the requirements of the new format.
The U22 Vietnam team aims for the best possible results in the group stage to advance to the semi-finals of the SEA Games 33. Their first test, at 4 PM on December 3rd, will answer the most important question: how will the focus and serious attitude emphasized by coach Kim Sang Sik translate into performance on the field?
