As U22 Vietnam prepares to face Thailand in the SEA Games 33 final at 7:30 PM on December 18, regional experts are raising a new concern - officiating might be the team’s toughest obstacle.
Malaysia's warning signs
On paper, this is Southeast Asia’s most classic football rivalry, a symbolic match-up between the region’s two most dominant teams.
But as the countdown to kickoff begins, many suggest Vietnam’s most formidable opponent may not be dressed in Thailand’s blue jerseys - but in the referee’s uniform.
Referee under the spotlight ahead of the SEA Games 33 final. Photo: FAM
The concern stems from Thailand’s 1–0 semifinal win over Malaysia, which left a bitter taste for many analysts.
The match was largely decided in the opening stages - not only by a goal but also by a red card shown in the 16th minute.
Reduced to ten men, Malaysia could no longer compete on equal terms. From then on, the match followed a familiar script: Thailand managed the game, conserved energy, and coasted to the final.
After the match, Malaysia’s head coach expressed his frustration, arguing that the red card was excessive - especially considering SEA Games is a youth tournament where flexibility and game feel from referees are expected.
Malaysia did not object to the foul being called, but to the disruption of the match so early on, which tilted the balance heavily in favor of the hosts.
The point wasn’t to excuse the loss, but to underline the impact officiating can have - not only on that match but also on the final.
Thailand enters the final fresher and better rested. Playing against a ten-man team for over 70 minutes effectively became a “gift,” allowing Thailand to preserve fitness, avoid injury, and prepare for the title match.
U22 Malaysia player receives a second yellow for pulling an opponent’s shirt on the opposing half. Photo: FAM
“All 23 of our players are ready for the final, and our goal is the gold medal,” declared coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul with satisfaction after the semifinal - sending a clear message to Vietnam.
In the broader context, the buildup to this final has sparked concern.
SEA Games 33 is hosted by Thailand, a nation that hasn't won the men’s football gold in three consecutive editions. Coupled with a dismal 2025 across multiple national teams and the failure of their women's squad, this gold medal has taken on the weight of national pride and redemption.
This raises the stakes - and scrutiny. Every referee decision will now be viewed under a lens of doubt. While few suggest outright manipulation, the perception that Thailand is receiving every advantage is difficult to ignore.
Caution over refereeing
Coach Kim Sang Sik must help U22 Vietnam maintain composure under pressure. Photo: S.N
Several controversies at SEA Games 33 have heightened tensions.
Vietnamese athletes Nguyen Trong Phuc and Trinh Thi Kim Ha were left in tears after losing their Taekwondo golds to questionable referee calls.
Vu Van Kien, dominating his match, was ruled against after what appeared to be a theatrical fall by his Thai opponent.
In pencak silat, the situation escalated as blatant bias against Malaysia provoked physical retaliation from athletes toward the referee.
In this climate, U22 Vietnam enters the final not just to play football - but to protect themselves from non-sporting variables.
History shows that when facing Thailand on a level playing field, Vietnam’s youth teams hold their own - and often come out stronger.
But that requires a fair match, where players - not whistles - determine the outcome.
Malaysia’s silat incident is a stark lesson for coach Kim Sang Sik. His team must eliminate unnecessary contact and emotional reactions. Without VAR, referees wield unchecked influence.
Kim, who previously triumphed over Thailand as South Korea’s national team coach at the ASEAN Cup, now eyes SEA Games gold. To win it, he must help his players conquer not only the opponent, but the officiating challenges that come with playing on Thai soil.
Vietnamnet.vn
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