Bangkok, 19 December 2025 – After Vietnam U22 staged a dramatic comeback to defeat host Thailand 3-2 in the SEA Games 33 men’s football final, Thai media lauded head coach Kim Sang Sik for his bold tactical adjustments and decisive substitutions.
Vietnam U22 completed an emotional journey to the SEA Games 33 gold medal after overturning a 0-2 deficit to beat Thailand U22 3-2 in the final. Playing at Rajamangala Stadium, the host side appeared in full control after scoring twice in the first half, leaving Vietnamese supporters fearing the worst. However, the second half witnessed a remarkable turnaround as Vietnam raised their tempo, dominated possession and scored two goals to force extra time, before Nguyen Thanh Nhan struck the decisive winner to seal the championship.
The painful defeat left Thai fans deeply disappointed, especially given their team’s two-goal advantage on home soil. Thai media quickly analyzed the reasons behind the collapse, focusing not only on Thailand’s shortcomings but also on Vietnam’s tactical superiority. In an in-depth article outlining five key factors behind Thailand’s defeat, Siam Sport highlighted the impact of Kim Sang Sik’s in-game decisions and the fighting spirit of the Vietnamese players.
The newspaper wrote that after conceding the equalizer to make it 2-2, Thailand appeared to run out of energy and ideas. Their attack lacked creativity, while the defense retreated deeper and deeper, allowing Vietnam to take full control of possession and dictate the rhythm of the game. As pressure mounted, Thailand struggled to regain momentum and failed to respond effectively.
In contrast, Siam Sport praised Kim Sang Sik for his courage and sharp reading of the match. The article emphasized that the decision to substitute captain Khuat Van Khang and bring on Nguyen Thanh Nhan was a bold gamble at a critical moment. Despite the risk, Kim trusted his instincts, and the move paid off in decisive fashion. Thanh Nhan, the substitute, went on to score the winning goal in extra time, extinguishing Thailand’s hopes of reclaiming the SEA Games title.
The Thai outlet also noted that while Vietnam’s substitutions had a clear and immediate impact, the changes made by the Thai coaching staff in the second half failed to influence the game. According to Siam Sport, this contrast in effectiveness was the key factor that ultimately determined the outcome of the final.
Reflecting on the broader implications, the article expressed concern about the future of Thai football at youth level. “The 2-3 defeat to Vietnam, despite leading 2-0, is not just about losing a gold medal,” the author wrote. “It is a painful lesson and means Thailand must continue waiting, now a full 10 years, for another SEA Games football gold.”
Vietnam U22’s triumph not only secured a memorable gold medal at SEA Games 33 but also reinforced their growing reputation for resilience and tactical discipline under Kim Sang Sik, earning respect even from rival media across the region.
Thanh Trang
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