The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) will reward the U22 and women's national teams with 700 million and 600 million VND respectively for reaching the semi-finals.
Vietnam Football Federation President Tran Quoc Tuan was present in Thailand to encourage the teams. Both the U22 Vietnam team and the women's national team led 2-0 in the first half, topping their groups and securing tickets to the semi-finals of the SEA Games 33.
Simultaneously securing their places in the semi-finals of the SEA Games 33, the Vietnam U22 team and the Vietnam women's national team received a morale boost from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF): The Standing Committee decided to award 700 million VND to the women's team and 600 million VND to the U22 team. VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan traveled to Thailand to personally attend the women's team's match and encourage both teams before the crucial final stages of the tournament.
Two tickets to the semi-finals, two clear messages.
The Vietnamese women's national team convincingly defeated the Myanmar women's national team to top their group, thus securing a semi-final spot against Indonesia. At the same time, the Vietnam U22 team beat Malaysia U22 2-0 thanks to goals from defender Nguyen Hieu Minh and Pham Minh Phuc, finishing the group stage as group winners in Group B.
A notable commonality: both teams established a 2-0 lead in the first half, thereby controlling the group and achieving their goal of reaching the semi-finals. The VFF leadership highly appreciated their composure in crucial matches and urged the entire team to maintain focus for the semi-final round.
Key developments and the next opponent
In the women's group, the victory against Myanmar helped Coach Mai Duc Chung's team maintain their top position, paving the way for a semi-final match against Indonesia – a team considered weaker based on the group stage. For the U22 Vietnam team, their performance against Malaysia demonstrated superior tactics and control of the game. Their likely semi-final opponent will be the U22 Philippines.
Expert perspective: early intervention, pace control.
Two goals in the first half for both teams demonstrated a proactive approach and the ability to handle pressure early on. The Vietnam U22 team not only scored but also effectively neutralized key areas to maintain tempo, thereby limiting counter-attacks from Malaysia. For the women's team, solid organization and efficient energy management helped them maintain their advantage until the end of the match.
Psychologically, the direct presence of the VFF President at the stadium added motivation to the match, alongside timely rewards from the Executive Committee. This was a crucial morale factor before the semi-final matches, where every mistake could be costly.
Statement and request for the next leg
Vietnam Football Federation President Tran Quoc Tuan emphasized that this was a special day as both teams played at the same time and both achieved their goals from the group stage. He also noted that the teams need to continue focusing on preparing for the semi-finals – a stage that requires composure in choosing game strategies and managing risks.
The numbers are noteworthy.
- Both the Vietnam U22 team and the Vietnam women's national team were leading 2-0 in the first half of their decisive group stage matches.
- Vietnam U22 defeated Malaysia U22 2-0, finishing first in Group B.
- This marks the 10th consecutive victory for the Vietnam U22/U23 teams against Malaysia.
- The Vietnamese women's team finished first in their group and will face Indonesia in the semi-finals.
- Bonuses from the Vietnam Football Federation: 700 million VND for the women's national team, 600 million VND for the U22 Vietnam team.
Impact on the path to the finals
Finishing top of their groups gives both teams more room for tactical adjustments and game plans. Against Indonesia, the Vietnamese women's team has a basis to prioritize discipline and control of the tempo. The U22 Vietnam team, if they face U22 Philippines as predicted, needs to maintain solidity in the opening stages and capitalize on opportunities to convert chances into goals – a model that yielded two early goals against Malaysia.
The awards announced immediately after the group stage not only recognize the efforts but also represent the commitment of the Vietnam Football Federation. With the semi-finals approaching, the core message remains consistent: focus, discipline, and maximizing the advantage built from the group stage.
