Despite leading Group B heading into their final match at Rajamangala Stadium on 11/12, Malaysia delivered a subdued performance. They failed to register a single shot on target, leaving goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien largely untroubled.

Conversely, Malaysian goalkeeper Sharani Zulhilmi conceded two goals within the first 22 minutes of the first half: a header from Nguyen Hieu Minh and a tap-in from Pham Minh Phuc. Zulhilmi also had to make several saves to deny shots from Le Viktor and Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong.

Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien (right) consoles Sharani Zulhilmi after Vietnam's victory over Malaysia in the final Group B men's football match at SEA Games 33, held at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on 11/12. Photo: Hieu Luong

Following the match, Malaysian newspaper Sinar Harian published an article titled "Vietnam has tamed the Tigers". The report commented, "Vietnam controlled the game better, showcasing beautiful combinations and quick attacks down both flanks."

"The Tigers" is the nickname for the Malaysian national team. After the final whistle, goalkeeper Zulhilmi was visibly upset, crying, and was comforted by his Vietnamese counterpart, Tran Trung Kien.

Post-match, coach Nafuzi Zain acknowledged Vietnam's superior play. He added that his team "could still compete fairly with strong regional teams, if they didn't hand them an easy start." The coach hinted that his players made numerous errors and did not perform as they had practiced.

Malaysia's two conceded goals occurred in the first half, impacting the players' morale. Berita Harian commented that the team's defeat stemmed from a "loose start."

CNN Indonesia suggested Malaysia "lost on all fronts," noting this was evident as they failed to register a single shot on target. The newspaper added, "Malaysia managed only one shot in the 66th minute, which Vietnam's defense blocked."

Match highlights.

Indonesian football website Superball also quoted disappointed Malaysian fans after the match on 11/12. Fan Johnnymorse Ronald wrote, "What happened to Malaysia? They left too much space in the midfield because they only focused on desperate defense."

Mohamad Edzhan Adnan commented, "This is the true level of Malaysian local players. Harsh, but it is the truth."

Below, Roslan Mdnoor replied, "The skill level between the two teams is too disparate. Malaysia will have much to learn from Vietnam."

Indonesian sports site Bolasport further commented that Vietnam "easily defeated Malaysia," creating an opportunity for Indonesia to defend its championship title. Indonesia would have been eliminated if Malaysia had drawn with Vietnam yesterday. Now, Indonesia needs to beat Myanmar by three or more goals in today's final group stage match to advance to the semi-finals as the best second-placed team, where they would face Thailand.

The first semi-final match has been confirmed: Vietnam will play the Philippines at 15:30 on monday, 15/12. Thailand's semi-final opponent will be Malaysia, Indonesia, or Myanmar.

By Hoang An