Vietnam U22 stage dramatic comeback to defeat Thailand and claim SEA Games gold
Vietnam U22 overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Thailand U22 3-2 after extra time, confirming their growing dominance in Southeast Asian football.
THE HANOI TIMES — Under intense pressure from the home crowd, Vietnam U22 delivered a memorable comeback, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Thailand U22 3-2 and capture another gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games today (December 18).
Familiarity between the two sides led to a fast and aggressive start. In the opening 20 minutes, both teams created several dangerous chances, but determined defending and alert goalkeeping prevented any early breakthrough.
The midfield between Vietnam and Thailand becomes a battlefield with physical clashes and strong tackles. Photos: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times
The midfield quickly became a battleground, with frequent physical clashes and high-tempo challenges. The exchanges highlighted the fierce rivalry between two of Southeast Asia’s strongest football nations.
After a series of missed opportunities, Thailand opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Midfielder Yotsakon Burapha curled a superb free kick past the goalkeeper to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The goal energized Thailand and inside the packed Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Vietnam appeared overwhelmed by the hosts’ physical strength and momentum.
Vietnam struggled to retain possession in midfield, placing their defense under constant pressure. Thailand exploited Vietnam’s high defensive line and repeatedly sent long balls behind the back four.
In the 31st minute, Thailand struck again on a swift counterattack. Seksan Ratree burst down the right flank, cut inside past one Vietnamese defender and fired a precise left-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Trung Kien to double the lead.
By halftime, Vietnam had failed to register a clear scoring opportunity while Thailand controlled both tempo and territory.
Winger Dinh Bac scores the penalty to narrow the deficit to 1-2 for Vietnam U22.
At the start of the second half, Vietnam head coach Kim Sang Sik made decisive changes, bringing on Thanh Nhan and Van Thuan in place of Le Viktor and Khuat Van Khang. The substitutions immediately changed the match.
Just two minutes after the restart, Vietnam earned a penalty when Dinh Bac broke into the box and forced a foul from the Thai goalkeeper. Dinh Bac calmly converted from the spot to cut the deficit to 1-2.
The goal revived Vietnam’s confidence and released the pressure on their young players, who began to play with greater freedom and intensity.
In the 61st minute, Van Thuan delivered a dangerous corner kick. The Thai goalkeeper misjudged the ball trajectory, allowing Ly Duc to tap in.
Thai defender Choolthong accidentally turned the ball into his own net, leveling the score at 2-2.
Thailand responded with personnel changes in an effort to regain control. The two teams exchanged attacks, but neither side found a winner during regulation time, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Six minutes into the extra time, Van Thuan showed composure inside the penalty area and fired a shot that the Thai goalkeeper could only parry. Thanh Nhan reacted quickest and tapped in the rebound to give Vietnam a 3-2 lead.
Thailand pushed forward in the remaining minutes, but Vietnam’s defense stayed disciplined, organized and focused. The final whistle confirmed a dramatic 3-2 victory for Vietnam U22.
Attacking player Thanh Nhan (left) celebrates his match-winning goal.
The men’s football final between Vietnam U22 and Thailand U22 stood as the most anticipated match of the 33rd SEA Games, as football remains the region’s most followed sport. Both teams entered the final as leading contenders for the gold medal, ensuring high technical quality and intense competition.
For many years, Thailand represented a major psychological obstacle for Vietnamese teams. That balance has shifted. Vietnam’s modern youth development system has produced players capable of matching Thailand in both skill and tactical discipline.
This victory marked Vietnam’s third appearance in the SEA Games men’s football final over the last four editions. Vietnam won gold in 2019 in the Philippines and again in 2022 at home, defeating Indonesia 3-0 and Thailand 1-0.
In SEA Games finals, the two teams have now met five times. Before this match, Vietnam had secured only one victory, a 1-0 win in the 2022 final decided by a late header from Nham Manh Dung.
Within just 12 months, Vietnamese football has overtaken its long-time rival to claim the region’s two most prestigious titles, the AFF Cup 2024 and the SEA Games 2025. The question now resonates across Southeast Asia: who truly rules the region’s football today?
Vietnam U22 football team celebrate their victory at the final on December 18.
