Photos: Vietnam U22 earns epic comeback over Thailand to seize SEA Games gold
In front of a roaring crowd in Bangkok, packed with traveling Vietnamese supporters, Vietnam U22 wrote a story of belief, resilience and courage, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Thailand U22 and lift the SEA Games men’s football gold medal.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam U22 won the men’s football gold medal in unforgettable fashion, rallying from two goals down to defeat host Thailand U22 3-2 in a thrilling final.
Vietnam U22’s starting lineup for the final entered the match with strong determination, aiming to reclaim glory after the disappointment of SEA Games 32. Photos: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times
Vietnam U22 began the match with confidence, controlling possession and gradually forcing Thailand deep into their own half. Quoc Cuong attempted a long-range effort, but Thailand’s defense blocked the shot.
After a hesitant start, Thailand U22 regained momentum and created several dangerous chances. Goalkeeper Trung Kien made a series of crucial saves to keep Vietnam in contention throughout the first half.
Thailand U22 delivered an impressive first-half performance and took a 2-0 lead with two powerful strikes from outside the penalty area by Yotsakon Burapha and Seksan Ratree.
Vietnam U22 pushed higher in search of a breakthrough. The attacking approach exposed space behind the defensive line, allowing Thailand to launch sharp and dangerous counterattacks.
At the start of the second half, Vietnam made two tactical substitutions that changed the match. In the 46th minute, attacking midfielder Dinh Bac dribbled skillfully into the box and forced goalkeeper Sorawat Phosaman to commit a foul. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Bac showed composure from the penalty spot, cutting the deficit to 1-2.
The goal lifted Vietnam’s confidence and intensity. Vietnam U22 found the equalizer from a well-organized corner kick, as center back Ly Duc applied pressure and forced Thailand defender Waris Schoolthong to score an own goal.
Center-back Ly Duc celebrated his goal that leveled the score for Vietnam. From this moment, Vietnam U22 took control of the game while Thai players showed signs of losing confidence and determination.
After the score leveled at 2-2, the match reached a dramatic peak. Both teams traded dangerous attacks, but Vietnam gained the upper hand through renewed belief and momentum. The regulation time ended with the score tied.
Extra time unfolded under heavy tension. In the 96th minute, Vietnam U22's Van Thuan fired a powerful shot that goalkeeper Sorawat Phosaman failed to control. Thanh Nhan reacted quickest and finished from close range to give Vietnam the 3-2 lead.
Thailand U22 struggled to break through Vietnam’s disciplined defensive structure. Frustration crept into the Thai players’ game, while Vietnam maintained composure, organization and strong teamwork.
In the remaining minutes of extra time, Thailand controlled possession and searched for an equalizer. Unable to penetrate through the middle, they relied on wide play and repeated crosses into the box, but the approach lacked effectiveness against Vietnam’s solid defense.
At the final whistle, Vietnam U22 completed a sensational 3-2 victory over Thailand U22 and proudly claimed the men’s football gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games.
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