Vietnam U22: Le Phat determined ahead of the match against Malaysia.
The striker, born in 2007, admitted to feeling nervous about his first appearance at the SEA Games 33, but affirmed that the goal for the Vietnam U22 team against Malaysia U22 remains victory. Coach Kim Sang-sik intensified tactical training on December 8th.
“I am a young player, participating in the SEA Games for the first time. I always try my best every day, learning from the senior players to gain the coach's trust and be given the opportunity to play.” Nguyen Le Phat's sincere statement came just before the crucial match against U22 Malaysia, where U22 Vietnam aimed to win all three points to maintain their advantage in the race for a semi-final spot in Group B.
During the training session on the afternoon of December 8th, coach Kim Sang-sik continued to emphasize tactical drills and divided the team into groups for a practice match on two-thirds of the field. This was a screening step to assess stability, concentration, and fighting spirit before finalizing the personnel for what is considered a pivotal match.
The determination of the 18-year-old player
Unable to hide his nervousness about participating in his first SEA Games, Le Phat sees this as an opportunity to grow. He emphasized that his top priority is to strive every day and perform well in training to live up to the coaching staff's trust.
"I need to work harder to deserve a place on the SEA Games roster."The striker, who plays for Ninh Binh FC, added that advice from his seniors helps him maintain a receptive attitude and a ready spirit.
Opponent Malaysia: a test of physical fitness and speed.
Looking ahead, Le Phat assessed the U22 Malaysia team as strong, physically fit, and fast. Therefore, the requirements for the U22 Vietnam team are:adapt at all timesMaintaining confidence and unity – these are messages that coach Kim Sang-sik constantly reminds us of.
“Malaysia is a strong team, physically fit and fast. We must be ready to adapt at all times on the field, maintain confidence and unity.”Despite acknowledging the challenge, the 18-year-old striker reaffirmed his goal ahead of the match:win.
Training session on December 8th: increased tactical workload, team lineup review.
The tactical training continued to be intensified. The team was divided into two-thirds field practice matches – a method that allowed the coaching staff to observe the coordination modules within a relatively close range to the intensity of the game, while also selecting personnel based on form, focus, and morale.
The context of Group B makes the clash with U22 Malaysia a "narrow path" to the semi-finals. The fierce competition for positions, along with the desire of the new players to prove themselves, is a key highlight of the U22 Vietnam team during their preparation phase.
The launching pad for "Vietnam's Mbappe"
Le Phat's nickname, "Vietnamese Mbappe," emerged during the 2023 U17 Asian Championship qualifiers. At that time, at the age of 15, he scored...2 tablesHe played his very first international match against Chinese Taipei U17 and quickly became a key player for the Vietnam U17 team.
Former player Trinh Quoc Hung once compared the rising star from the PVF academy to Kylian Mbappe, emphasizing that Le Phat showed his potential early on at the National U13 Championship while playing for the PVF U13 team. These accolades created expectations, but also pressure for a striker making his debut at the SEA Games.
Notable statements by Le Phat
- About myself:"I always try my best every day, learning from the senior players so that the coach will trust me and give me the opportunity to play."
- Regarding objectives:"I need to work harder to deserve a place on the SEA Games roster."
- Regarding the opponent:“Malaysia is a strong team, physically fit and fast. We must be ready to adapt at all times on the field, maintain confidence and unity.”
- Regarding the upcoming match:Even though Malaysia has added some good players, the goal of the Vietnam U22 team remains the same.win.
The impact ahead of the showdown.
Under pressure to achieve results, the mindset of the Vietnam U22 team is shaped by a balance between expectations and reality: a young team, still learning, but with clear goals. For Le Phat, the opportunity to play – if it comes – is a reward for his efforts and the next step in his development after what he has shown at the youth levels.
As for the team as a whole, perfecting the tactical details and maintaining discipline within the game structure will determine their ability to break down a physically strong opponent like U22 Malaysia. The match is not only a measure of their semi-final ambitions, but also a test of character for the next generation of U22 Vietnam.
