Defending champion Indonesia faces early elimination from the SEA Games 33 men's football tournament after a surprising 0-1 loss to the Philippines on 8/12. Their fate now hangs on the outcome of the final group B match on 11/12; a draw between Malaysia and Vietnam would see Indonesia knocked out.

Indonesian coach Indra Sjafri expressed helplessness, acknowledging his team's fate was out of their hands if Malaysia and Vietnam were to collude for a draw. However, when questioned about this possibility, Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong affirmed Vietnam's commitment to playing their utmost.

Midfielder Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong trains with U22 Vietnam at the RBAC University football field in Bangkok, Thailand on 9/12. Photo: Hieu Luong

"Our goal against Malaysia is clear: we must win, there is no option for a draw," Quoc Cuong stated before an afternoon training session at RBAC University's football field in Bangkok. He added, "The key to victory lies in our determination, positive attitude, and unity. Vietnam is currently embodying these qualities."

A draw with Malaysia would see Vietnam finish second in group B due to an inferior goal difference. This outcome would mean, according to the SEA Games 33 football technical handbook, that Vietnam would likely face host Thailand, the probable winner of group A.

The Vietnamese team maintains a daily training schedule in preparation for their decisive match against Malaysia at 16h on 11/12. Concurrently, the Vietnamese women's national team will play a crucial group B match against Myanmar in Chonburi, where a victory is essential to secure their place in the semifinals.

Quoc Cuong revealed that the U22 team watched the Vietnamese women's team's 0-1 loss to the Philippines yesterday. He expressed regret over the late goal conceded and highlighted that Vietnam was also denied a penalty for an earlier handball. "I hope both Vietnamese national teams succeed in achieving their objectives," Quoc Cuong commented.

Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, born in 2004 in Nghe An, later relocated with his family to Dong Nai. He joined the Nutifood Academy in 2014. His career includes playing in the third division for Nutifood in 2022 and the first division for Ba Ria Vung Tau in 2023. Since 8/2024, Quoc Cuong has been with TP HCM Club, now known as Cong an TP HCM.

While Quoc Cuong has attended numerous youth national team training camps, he had not participated in any official tournaments until SEA Games 33. His inclusion in the squad was partly due to a severe injury sustained by midfielder Nguyen Van Truong.

Quoc Cuong is also the cousin of renowned forward Nguyen Cong Phuong. He stated that this connection brings him no pressure, only pride for himself and his family. "Cong Phuong consistently offers encouragement and highlights areas for my improvement," Quoc Cuong shared.

Hieu Luong