There are good reasons behind the Korean coach’s optimism. For one, U22 Vietnam boasts one of the most experienced lineups in the region, shaped by years of consistent development from youth levels up to the national team.

Additionally, the team’s year-long preparation has been both thorough and strategic, with well-timed training camps, high-level exposure through the Panda Cup, and valuable friendlies - such as the clash with U23 Qatar.

Their recent performance against Southeast Asian rivals has also shown stability and promise, reinforcing Vietnam’s status as a front-runner for gold at SEA Games 33.

With such a squad, coach Kim Sang Sik has every right to dream of a golden finish.

Another factor boosting Kim’s confidence is the current state of Vietnam’s direct competitors. Traditional regional powerhouses like Thailand and Indonesia are reportedly facing squad-related challenges and limited preparation time, further strengthening Vietnam’s chances.

SEA Games: A history of hard lessons

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Coach Kim Sang Sik is confident, but U22 Vietnam must stay alert as SEA Games 33 promises unpredictability.

However, the road to SEA Games glory has rarely been smooth. Vietnam’s two most recent gold medals (2019 and 2021) came under former head coach Park Hang Seo, but even those triumphs were far from effortless.

Park led a so-called “golden generation” featuring standout talents like Quang Hai, Van Hau, and Hoang Duc. Yet even with that talent, Vietnam’s path required crucial interventions from overage players such as Hung Dung, Trong Hoang, and Tien Linh.

It’s a reminder that success at SEA Games often demands more than talent - it requires grit, adaptability, and timely leadership.

Then came SEA Games 32 in Cambodia. Under French coach Philippe Troussier, Vietnam fielded a younger, less balanced squad without the benefit of senior reinforcements. The result was a painful semifinal exit - a sobering moment for Vietnamese football.

Many of the players from that campaign - Quoc Viet, Van Khang, Thai Son, Thanh Nhan - are now key figures in Kim’s squad. Their heartbreak two years ago should serve as a powerful reminder of how quickly things can unravel in a tournament full of pressure and surprises.

Confidence is essential, but it must be grounded in caution, discipline, and respect for every opponent.

Kim Sang Sik’s team may be well-equipped for the gold-medal run, but only if they resolve lingering tactical issues and approach each game with the focus such a volatile tournament demands.

Duy Nguyen