Defeating Laos, U22 Malaysia overtakes U22 Vietnam in the standings.
Following U22 Malaysia’s 4-1 victory over U22 Laos last night (December 6), CNN Indonesia analyzed: “U22 Malaysia’s win against U22 Laos has altered the standings in Group B of the men’s football event at SEA Games 33.”
U22 Malaysia (yellow jerseys) secured a dominant win over U22 Laos (Photo: Khoa Nguyen).
“U22 Malaysia secured a full three points in their first match at this year’s Southeast Asian Games. The victory over U22 Laos last night officially propelled U22 Malaysia to the top of Group B,” CNN Indonesia added.
According to the same newspaper, U22 Malaysia appeared sharper than U22 Vietnam against the weakest opponent in Group B, U22 Laos. This significantly impacts both teams’ chances of advancing, with the advantage currently leaning towards U22 Malaysia.
CNN Indonesia commented: “The emphatic 4-1 victory over U22 Laos shows U22 Malaysia was more effective than U22 Vietnam, who only managed a 2-1 win against U22 Laos a few days ago. U22 Malaysia and U22 Vietnam are scheduled to face each other on December 11.”
“The match between these two teams will determine the top spot in Group B. This game will decide the ranking of the two teams, as well as their semi-final berths,” the news outlet from the archipelago nation further stated.
U22 Vietnam must win their final group stage match against U22 Malaysia (Photo: Khoa Nguyen).
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Siam Sport newspaper shared the information: “The U22 Malaysia team secured a resounding 4-1 victory over U22 Laos. This win allows U22 Malaysia to claim the top spot in Group B before they face U22 Vietnam.”
“U22 Malaysia truly exploded in the second half, turning the tide to secure all three points in their opening match at SEA Games 33,” Siam Sport further wrote.
The leading Thai sports daily described the two halves of last night’s match, held at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, as showcasing two completely different faces of the U22 Malaysia team.
Coach Nafuzi Zain’s team had a slow start, falling behind to U22 Laos as early as the 4th minute. However, in the second half, U22 Malaysia surged powerfully, scoring multiple goals against the young team from the land of a million elephants.
This detail could become a strong point for U22 Malaysia when they face U22 Vietnam in a few days, also at Rajamangala Stadium.
Siam Sport stated: “U22 Malaysia holds the initiative at the top of Group B before they clash with U22 Vietnam in a decisive match between the two teams. The December 11 match will determine which of the two teams advances to the next round. Meanwhile, U22 Laos has been eliminated.”
