U22 Vietnam - U22 Laos: A Smooth Start

In this match, U22 Vietnam is considered much stronger. Experts predict that U22 Vietnam will have little trouble winning, possibly by a large margin. However, Coach Kim Sang-sik’s team must remain very cautious to avoid costly mistakes. The first match in any tournament is always challenging.

Theoretically, facing U22 Laos in the opening game is seen as an advantage for U22 Vietnam. Against a weaker opponent, Coach Kim Sang-sik’s team can strategize and manage their lineup with the goal of winning without revealing tactics, preserving strength for the crucial match against U22 Malaysia in the next round.

However, U22 Laos could present many challenges for U22 Vietnam. The core of this team includes players who recently competed against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, such as defenders Khounthoumphone, Xaysombath, Okham Latsachack, midfielder Damoth Thongkhamsavath, and striker Peter Phanthavong…

In that match, the Laos team caused significant difficulties for Vietnam by playing tight defense and waiting to exploit opponents’ mistakes on counterattacks. Although Vietnam won 2-0, Coach Kim Sang-sik acknowledged Laos football’s progress. Meeting again at the U22 level in SEA Games 33, U22 Laos has reasons to be confident about achieving “something” against U22 Vietnam.

U22 Laos is no longer participating in the SEA Games as an easy team to beat. They bring a squad seasoned through many tournaments, with several players having national team experience and familiarity with Vietnamese players.

Under the guidance of Coach Ha Hyeok-jun, a compatriot of Kim Sang-sik, U22 Laos has shown a disciplined, resilient, and tactically well-organized style. The similarity in coaching philosophies between the two Korean coaches promises an intriguing tactical battle on the sidelines.

A similar scenario is likely to unfold in today’s match when the two teams meet, with U22 Laos expected to defend stubbornly against the familiar opponent.

U22 Vietnam cannot afford to be complacent facing a team rated much lower. Especially in youth football, extra caution is necessary.

The biggest issue for U22 Vietnam currently lies in finishing chances. Under Coach Kim Sang-sik, the team’s playstyle has improved positively, but sharpness in final touches remains a major question. The forwards often lack decisiveness or waste clear opportunities. If players fail to improve their scoring ability, U22 Vietnam risks repeating a stalemate scenario and facing danger.

The opening match is not just a battle for three points. It is a comprehensive test of ambition and resilience for a title contender. U22 Vietnam needs not only to win but to do so convincingly to affirm their status and build psychological momentum for the team.

With an 8-day break after the opening match, Coach Kim Sang-sik is likely to field his strongest lineup to ensure victory.

The men’s football event at SEA Games 33 features 9 teams divided into 3 groups. Group A includes Thailand, Timor Leste, and Singapore. Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos are in Group B. Group C consists of U22 Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

After the group stage, the top team from each group and the best second-placed team will advance to the semifinals. The semifinals will be held on December 15th, with the final on December 18th.

The match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Laos will take place at 4 PM on December 3rd. Fans eagerly await Coach Kim Sang-sik and his players to convincingly solve the challenge posed by U22 Laos.