U22 Vietnam and the Hope for the SEA Games Gold Medal

17/12/2025 14:53:00 ceshi

Confidently entering the SEA Games 33 final, Coach Kim Sang Sik’s team conveyed a strong message: U22 Vietnam is prepared and brimming with confidence to win the gold medal.

U22 Vietnam has taken fans on a full emotional ride: from nervousness and anxiety to bursting joy. In just the final minutes of the match, U22 Vietnam turned earlier hardships into a sweet victory, earning their spot in the final.

As predicted, U22 Philippines was no easy opponent. Indeed, for most of the official match time, Coach Garrath McPherson’s squad exhibited disciplined, scientific, and extremely frustrating defensive football. U22 Philippines played exactly as they intended: to lull the opponent, wait for impatience to strike, or push the game into extra time or penalties. It was at this "critical moment" that U22 Vietnam’s courage was revealed.

Coach Kim Sang Sik proved why he was chosen to lead Vietnamese football. The Korean coach demonstrated he is on the right track with both long-term and short-term strategies. His substitutions in the second half of the semifinal were not merely to refresh the lineup or change tactics. To put it mildly, these were "cards up his sleeve" reserved for decisive moments. The entry of substitute players unlocked the path to victory.

Against a resilient Philippines, U22 Vietnam’s victory carries even greater psychological significance. It shows that U22 Vietnam knows how to stand firm against challenges, overcoming difficulties to deliver the decisive blow even without the easiest game conditions. The semifinal hardships served as a strong test, helping players sharpen the focus and composure needed. The champion’s spirit is forged through such tough matches.

The journey so far of U22 Vietnam has made fans confident and optimistic about their chances of winning the men’s football gold at SEA Games 33. Photo: Tuan Pham

When U22 Vietnam earned their place in the SEA Games 33 final, it was more than just a sporting victory. For Coach Kim Sang Sik, it marked a special milestone: his third final after just over a year with Vietnamese football. Three finals—from ASEAN Cup 2024 to U23 Southeast Asia 2025 and now SEA Games—in a short period reflect the continuity of Kim Sang Sik’s coaching philosophy. There is a clear seamlessness across team levels, from the national team to U22. This is crucial for integrating and blending the next generation of players from youth teams to the national squad.

Following success in recent tournaments, Coach Kim Sang Sik faces the biggest challenge: reclaiming the SEA Games gold medal. Under pressure, he remains steadfast in his work philosophy: cautiousness, discipline, and respect for all opponents. Kim Sang Sik’s influence is evident in how he structures an organized playing style, prioritizes tactical discipline, and especially manages players’ psychological states during critical moments. U22 Vietnam has demonstrated rare stability and bravery in this competition.

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SEA Games 33 will be the most precise test of Coach Kim Sang Sik’s skills and resilience. Success will not only confirm his status but also reinforce fans’ trust in the new direction of Vietnamese football. Conversely, an unfavorable outcome is also an essential part of the growth process for a young generation of players.

Once the psychological barriers are removed and players regain their agility, fans have every reason to believe in a happy ending at this SEA Games. With faith and passionate spirit, the SEA Games 33 gold medal is very close to U22 Vietnam.

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