Bangkok, December 2025 – At noon on December 17, head coach Kim Sang-sik represented U22 Vietnam at the pre-match press conference ahead of the SEA Games 33 men’s football final, where his team will face host nation U22 Thailand. The Korean coach appeared confident and relaxed, reflecting the thorough preparation of his squad.
Coach Kim said:
“First of all, I am very happy that U22 Vietnam have reached the final of SEA Games 33. We are here thanks to the strong support of the Vietnamese people.
In particular, this achievement comes from the efforts of the players and the sacrifices made by everyone in the team. There is a Vietnamese saying, ‘With enough effort in sharpening iron, one day it will become a needle.’ Because the whole team has given everything, I hope for a good result in this final.”
During his remarks, Coach Kim also recalled Vietnam’s victory at Rajamangala Stadium in the second leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final, where the senior national team were crowned champions on Thai soil.
He then sent a clear message of caution toward the hosts:
“U.23 Thailand play with good organization and have many players with strong individual ability, physical strength, speed, and technique. Striker Yotsakorn Burapha has scored many goals in a variety of ways at this tournament, so we must pay close attention to him.
Only if Ly Duc and the entire defensive line do their job well can we achieve a good result. We will prepare carefully to play a good match.”
Coach Kim emphasized the importance of the final while also highlighting player safety:
“Tomorrow’s final is very important to us. However, we also have the AFC U.23 Asian Cup 2026 finals coming up next January, so I think the most important thing is that players from both teams compete safely and avoid injuries.”
He also addressed the role of match officials:
“The role of the referees is extremely important. I hope they will officiate fairly to protect the players and create conditions for both teams to compete on equal terms, so that this important match can be played in the best possible way.”
Looking back at recent success, the 1976-born coach concluded:
“In January this year, the Vietnam national team lifted the championship trophy at this very stadium. I truly hope that in this match, the U.23 Vietnam players can also raise the trophy, to close out a wonderful year of 2025.”
Thanh Trang
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