Vietnam – Malaysia: 16h on Thursday, 11/12, on VnExpress.

In June, Vietnam suffered a devastating 0-4 defeat to Malaysia in the second match of group F in the final round of Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, held at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. This marked Vietnam's heaviest loss to Malaysia in history. Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien and midfielder Khuat Van Khang, who are currently participating in SEA Games 33, were on the roster for that match.

That defeat is considered one of the most painful matches for Vietnamese football. Consequently, coach Kim Sang-sik and his players have not forgotten it and view it as motivation for the decisive final group stage match at SEA Games 33.

Vietnam U22 coach Kim Sang-sik gives an interview before a training session at RBAC University's football field in Bangkok, Thailand on 10/12. *Hieu Luong*

"I see the young players still mentioning the national team's 0-4 loss to Malaysia", coach Kim Sang-sik said before the training session at RBAC University's football field in Bangkok on the afternoon of 10/12. "They feel their pride was hurt, so they are trying to prepare their best".

After two opening matches, Vietnam has three points, tied with Malaysia, but ranks second in group B due to an inferior goal difference (+1 compared to +3). Coach Kim Sang-sik's team only needs a draw to advance as the best second-placed team. However, to secure the top spot, they must win.

"I constantly remind the players that tomorrow's match is not just a group stage game, but a knockout match", coach Kim stated. "Victory is the biggest and mandatory goal". He mentioned that the entire team watched Malaysia defeat Laos 4-1 live, followed by video analysis sessions. Coach Kim assessed the opponent as having good physicality and strength, but he trusts that Vietnam is well-prepared to secure a victory.

After a challenging opening victory against Laos, coach Kim understood that fans were not entirely satisfied. He believes that initial matches are never easy, but his team typically improves afterward. "The win against Laos helped the players gain more confidence", said the South Korean coach, who won the ASEAN Cup 2024 and the U23 Southeast Asia 2025 championships.

In the history of men's football at the SEA Games, Vietnam lost to Malaysia 1-2 in the group stage of the 1991 tournament, which was also their first participation. Subsequently, the team won 2-0 in the 1995 group stage and lost 0-1 in the 1997 group stage.

Since SEA Games 2001, men's football has used U23 players instead of the national team. Vietnam lost to Malaysia 0-2 in the 2001 group stage, 0-1 in the 2009 final, and 1-2 in the 2013 group stage. However, they won 2-1 in the 2005 semi-finals, 3-1 in the 2007 group stage, 3-1 in the 2009 group stage, 5-1 in the 2015 group stage, 1-0 in extra time during the 2021 semi-finals, and 3-1 in the 2023 group stage.