Kha Y Tran The SEA Games 33 men’s football final delivered one of the most dramatic matches in Southeast Asian football history. At a packed Rajamangala Stadium, U22 Vietnam staged a stunning comeback. They defeated host nation U22 Thailand 3–2 after extra time and secured the gold medal.
This victory crowned Vietnam as SEA Games champions. More importantly, it reinforced their growing dominance in regional football.
(Source: Fanpage Hà Nội News)
A High-Stakes Vietnam vs. Thailand Showdown
Vietnam vs. Thailand has always been considered the fiercest rivalry in Southeast Asian football. Therefore, the SEA Games 33 final carried enormous pressure, expectation, and emotional weight. Playing on Thai soil, U22 Vietnam faced a hostile crowd and intense atmosphere.
Meanwhile, U22 Thailand entered the match with confidence, backed by thousands of home supporters at Rajamangala Stadium.
As a result, the stage was set for a classic final.
Thailand’s Strong Start in the First Half
U22 Thailand started the match aggressively. They controlled possession and pressed high from the opening minutes. Consequently, their early dominance paid off.
In the 20th minute, Yotsakorn Burapha opened the scoring with a brilliant free kick, sending the home crowd into celebration. Shortly after, in the 31st minute, Seksan Ratree doubled Thailand’s lead following a fast counterattack.
At halftime, Thailand led 2–0. At that moment, many believed the gold medal was slipping away from Vietnam.
Vietnam’s Tactical Shift Sparks a Comeback
However, football is unpredictable. After the break, Vietnam returned with renewed determination. Head coach Kim Sang-sik made key tactical adjustments, pushing his team higher up the pitch.
As a result, Vietnam began to create more chances and apply consistent pressure.
In the 49th minute, Vietnam earned a penalty after Dinh Bac was fouled inside the box. Dinh Bac calmly converted the spot kick, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and reigniting Vietnam’s hopes.
Soon after, momentum clearly shifted.
(Source: Fanpage Hà Nội News)
Watch the full SEA Games 33 final here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvJmBzaKdtM
Equalizer Changes the Game
Vietnam kept pressing. As a result, pressure continued to build.
Then, in the 61st minute, chaos followed a corner kick. Thailand made a costly mistake. The ball deflected into their own net. Consequently, the score was level at 2–2.
From that moment on, the match became a tense tactical battle. Both sides created chances. However, neither team found a winning goal in regular time.
In the end, the SEA Games 33 men’s football final went into extra time.
Extra Time Heroics Seal Vietnam’s Gold Medal
In extra time, fatigue was clear on both sides. However, Vietnam remained calm and focused. More importantly, they showed stronger mental toughness.
Then, in the 96th minute, a quick attacking move caused chaos in Thailand’s box. As a result, the ball fell to Thanh Nhan. Without hesitation, he finished calmly to give Vietnam a 3–2 lead.
From that moment on, the match completely changed.
Afterward, Thailand pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Meanwhile, Vietnam defended with discipline and composure. In the end, when the final whistle blew, Vietnamese players celebrated wildly. At the same time, the home crowd fell silent in disbelief.
(Source: Fanpage Theanh28 Entertainment)
Why This Victory Matters for Vietnam
This comeback victory holds deep meaning for Vietnamese football. First, winning on Thailand’s home ground showed Vietnam’s mental strength. It also proved their competitive maturity.
Second, the triumph highlighted the impact of coach Kim Sang-sik. In particular, it confirmed his leadership and tactical vision.
Moreover, the SEA Games 33 gold medal reflects the steady rise of Vietnam’s youth football system. At the same time, it sends a clear message. Vietnam is no longer an underdog in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Thailand pushed hard to equalize. However, Vietnam defended with discipline. In the end, the final whistle blew. Vietnamese players collapsed in celebration. As a result, the home crowd watched in disbelief.
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