U22 Vietnam enthusiastic ahead of SEA Games 33 opening match

Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team are relaxed and eager in training one day before their opening match against Laos in group B of the men's football at SEA Games 33.

U22 Vietnam is in high spirits as they prepare for their SEA Games 33 campaign, with coach Kim Sang-sik fostering a positive atmosphere during training. The team conducted their final preparations at RABC University field in Bangkok this afternoon, 2/12, as Rajamangala Stadium is being readied for the opening ceremony, making it unavailable for team practice.

Coach Kim Sang-sik began the training session with a bright smile, radiating energy and cheerfulness to the players. This positive approach aims to keep the team motivated and focused ahead of their crucial opening game.

Key players expected to start against Laos tomorrow, 3/12, include goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, forward Nguyen Dinh Bac, and midfielder Khuat Van Khang. All three entered the 16h30 training session this afternoon looking comfortable and full of energy, signaling their readiness for the tournament.

Speaking to the media, team vice-captain and forward Nguyen Dinh Bac shared the team's high spirits and strong determination for the competition. "Not just coach Kim, the entire team feels comfortable and excited as the tournament begins", the player from Nghe An stated. "We will play with the highest spirit, and first, we aim to secure three points against Laos."

Players engaged in speed drills. Among the 23 players on the roster, currently no one is injured, and all are ready for the match against Laos.

The team engaged in new drills designed to enhance player speed and their ability to navigate through defensive lines.

This year's SEA Games 33 football tournament features 9 teams divided into three groups. Teams will play a single round-robin format, with the three group winners and the best-performing runner-up advancing to the semi-finals. Vietnam is in group B, with matches scheduled against Laos on 3/12 and Malaysia on 11/12.

Coach Kim also participated in some plays with the players to lighten the mood and make the training session more relaxed.

Goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien is poised to be a key player, having a strong track record. After two successful years with HAGL, he won the ASEAN Cup as the number three goalkeeper and then the U23 Southeast Asia Championship as the number one goalkeeper. These achievements position him as the likely starting goalkeeper for U22 Vietnam. Former goalkeeper Nguyen The Anh commented on his junior, saying, "I believe this goalkeeper will shine at this SEA Games."

Trung Kien has been diligently coached by assistant coach and Korean legendary goalkeeper Lee Won-jae. Lee has meticulously guided him through even the smallest movements in each training session to help him refine his skills.

Trung Kien was born on 18/2/2003. He hails from Hung Yen but grew up in Pleiku, Gia Lai. His family does not have a sports background, with his father working as a driver and his mother in marketing. His childhood primarily revolved around football and matches on a dirt field near his home. As his passion grew, Kien initially faced opposition from relatives, with his parents wanting him to focus more on his studies. However, he later joined the HAGL academy and flourished.

After approximately 20 minutes of open training for media and fans, U22 Vietnam closed their session to focus on internal tactical drills. Coach Kim used these closed sessions to identify the optimal lineup for the SEA Games.