Vietnam advanced to the semifinals as Group B winners, securing victories against Laos (2-1) and Malaysia (2-0). The Philippines, meanwhile, surprised many by topping Group C after defeating Myanmar (2-0) and defending champions Indonesia (1-0).

Pham Ly Duc celebrates with Dinh Bac after Nguyen Hieu Minh scored Vietnam's opening goal against Malaysia in the final Group B men's football match at SEA Games 33, held at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on the afternoon of 11/12. Photo: Hieu Luong

While Vietnam and the Philippines have never met in a SEA Games semifinal, their most recent encounter saw Vietnam secure a 2-1 victory in the U23 Southeast Asia semifinals in Indonesia last July. However, the Philippines' squad has undergone significant changes since then.

Previously, the Philippines had only six players competing abroad, across Thailand, Japan, and the United States. For SEA Games 33 in Thailand, that number has doubled. Key players include defender Isaiah Alakiu, who plays for U18 Brighton in England; Gabriel Guimaraes (Ichikawa SC, Japan); Santiago Rublico (Alcoron, Spain); midfielder Sandro Reyes (FC Gutersloh, Germany); and forward Dylan Demuynck (Lierse, Belgium). Additionally, powerful striker Out Banatao poses a notable threat to Vietnam's defense.

Despite the strengthened opposition, Vietnam's objective remains unchanged: to reach their third final in the last four SEA Games, and ultimately to secure the gold medal at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on 18/12.

Sports declassified: U22 Vietnam's set-piece weapon.

Hong Duy