Vietnam begins its quest to reclaim the men's football gold medal at the SEA Games this afternoon, 3/12, against Laos at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. This match marks the opening of Group B at the 33rd SEA Games, which features several format changes. For the first time, men's football is divided into three groups, with only the three group winners and the best-performing runner-up advancing to the semifinals. Each team is permitted to register 23 players instead of 20.

History favors Vietnam, with 10 consecutive victories against Laos at the SEA Games. In the five most recent matches across U23 and senior team levels, Vietnam has won, with scores of 4-1, 3-0, 1-0, 6-1, and 2-0, respectively. However, the 2-0 victory for the Vietnam national team in the third round of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on 19/11 indicated Laos's significant improvement, as coach Kim Sang-sik's squad had to wait for second-half goals from Xuan Son and Tuan Hai.

Coach Kim evaluates Laos as a more formidable opponent under coach Ha Hyeok-jun. The U22 Laos team has been reinforced with many players, including three notable figures: defender Phoutthavong Sangvilay (BG Pathum United), midfielder Damoth Thongkhamsavath (Thanh Hoa), and Sayfon Keohanam (Suphanburi).

Vietnam brings a squad to Thailand that has been consistently maintained over the past year through training camps and tournaments, including winning the U23 Southeast Asia Championship in 2025. Seven players who have competed for the national team are also part of the squad. Coach Kim is only missing Nguyen Van Truong and Bui Vi Hao due to injuries.

Following the match against Laos, Vietnam will have one week to prepare before facing Malaysia on 11/12. Thailand and Indonesia are considered the two biggest rivals on the team's journey toward securing its third SEA Games gold medal.

Quang Dung - Hoang An