“We are well aware of the importance of the SEA Games and have prepared thoroughly for the tournament. I am confident that the team can create an upset, and everything within our capabilities is ready. Tomorrow, I only hope the players give their all, as the result is unpredictable,” U22 Laos coach Ha Hyeok Jun began the press conference at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand, on the afternoon of December 2.
U22 Laos Coach Ha Hyeok Jun and Coach Kim Sang Sik attend the pre-match press conference (Photo: Khoa Nguyen).
At SEA Games 33, the U22 Laos team is grouped with Vietnam and U22 Malaysia in Group B. At 4 PM on December 3, U22 Laos will play against U22 Vietnam, and four days later, they will face U22 Malaysia. According to the regulations of SEA Games 33, only the top team in each group is guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals.
In Group B, U22 Laos is not as highly rated as U22 Vietnam or U22 Malaysia in securing a semi-final ticket. However, Coach Ha Hyeok Jun believes that does not mean he and his players will abandon hope of advancing past the group stage.
“To get through the group stage, winning one match and drawing one could be enough, although reaching the semi-finals is never easy. We currently have two players competing in Thailand; they are highly skilled and can create a positive impact to drive the entire team towards victory,” he stated.
Coach Ha Hyeok Jun shakes hands with Coach Kim Sang Sik (Photo: Khoa Nguyen).
Regarding facing his compatriot Kim Sang Sik, Coach Ha Hyeok Jun said: “We have met four times, and Coach Kim Sang Sik has elevated his professional level. However, in the recent match (the Vietnam national team defeated Laos 2-0 in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on November 19), we lacked a bit of luck. There are also some technical details that need improvement, and we will try to adjust for tomorrow’s match.”
Coach Ha Hyeok Jun also sent a message to the fans of the land of a million elephants: “Laos is not a large country in Southeast Asia in terms of population, but their love for football is as strong as anywhere else. The country recently celebrated 50 years of independence, and this will be an opportunity for us to bring beautiful memories to the people of Laos.”
