Vietnam U22 team determined to win against Malaysia at the 2025 SEA Games.
After a day off, the Vietnam U22 team returned to training with high spirits. Minh Phúc and the coaching staff watched the Malaysia U22 vs. Laos U22 matches to analyze the game, and coach Kim Sang-sik requested improvements in final passes and finishing.
Determination, focus, and attention to detail: these three words were repeatedly emphasized as the Vietnam U22 team resumed training after their break, heading towards the crucial match against Malaysia U22 at the 2025 SEA Games. From the training ground on the morning of December 6th, the unified message from the coaching staff and players was to prepare thoroughly to secure the best possible result.
Training session on December 6th: A clear message from the training ground.
After a day of recovery, the Vietnam U22 team returned with high intensity and enthusiasm. The pace and focus were increased right from the warm-up exercises, aiming for a quick transition to the upcoming competition phase. The match against Malaysia U22 is seen as an early test of their ambitions at the 2025 SEA Games.
Midfielder Minh Phúc, who was designated by coach Kim Sang-sik to speak to the press during the training session on the morning of December 6th, said that the team will utilize every small detail in their preparation.
“Today, the whole team will watch the match between U22 Malaysia and U22 Laos together. This will give us a clearer understanding of our opponent. The coaching staff has also thoroughly analyzed the match to prepare for the upcoming clash with Malaysia.”
Tactical highlight: the decisive final play.
From the meeting room to the training ground, the Vietnam U22 team was instructed to improve the quality of their final 30 meters. Coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized two key areas for improvement: the accuracy of the final pass and the finishing ability.
"We need to improve some aspects of our game, especially our final passes and finishing. We will continue to train to get better, in preparation for the upcoming match."
The additional message resonated with the players' mentality: "The coach always reminded us to stay calm when approaching the opponent's goal." This composure in the penalty area is a detail that can decide the outcome of a tight match, where every clear-cut chance is valuable.
Observe the opponent: data from the U22 Malaysia - U22 Laos match.
The Vietnam U22 team spent time watching the Malaysia U22 vs. Laos U22 match to gather practical data. The goal was to identify pressing habits, the positions of threats, and exploitable gaps on the flanks or in the central midfield. Analyzing the video footage will help prepare scenarios for entering and exiting the pressing phase and transition situations.
"Reading" the opponent from a specific match also helps the coaching staff fine-tune details such as the speed of the ball in the first-two phase, choosing the landing point for the decisive pass, or positioning players in the second-ball area after crosses and rebounds.
Team spirit and Minh Phúc's first time at the SEA Games.
The first SEA Games is always a special experience for young players. Minh Phuc admitted his excitement and determination entering the tournament: “I am very determined and will try my best to show myself in this tournament. It is an opportunity for me to contribute to Vietnamese football.”
Internally, motivation also comes from close-knit role models. While watching the team's meal, the U22 Vietnam team watched the match between the Vietnamese women's team and the Malaysian women's team. Minh Phuc sent her congratulations: "Congratulations to the women's team on their victory, and I wish you continued success to win the gold medal." The connection between the teams contributes to nurturing the competitive spirit of the entire delegation.
Heading to Malaysia: Specific goals, specific preparations.
Facing U22 Malaysia, U22 Vietnam has a clear roadmap: observe - analyze - simulate - refine. From video analysis to training sessions, the focus is on decision-making in the final stages, how to unlock a tight defensive block, and optimizing the quality of the first shot.
On the training ground, the drills are expected to revolve around short-pass combinations, off-ball movement in the penalty area, and shooting from various angles, while maintaining composure when entering the 16-yard box. These details, as coach Kim Sang-sik emphasized, can transform a balanced game into a victory.
The final message
The U22 Vietnam team didn't talk much about their goals, but the way they reorganized after the break, the way the players and coaching staff responded in unison regarding the final pass and shot, showed their focus on the crucial moments of the match. The more thorough the preparation, the shorter the gap to victory. Against U22 Malaysia, U22 Vietnam set a specific goal: to play according to plan, execute well in the final 30 meters, and make the most of every opportunity that came their way.
With that foundation, the team is confident of achieving a positive result in the upcoming match.
