On the afternoon of December 15, the Vietnam U22 team won 2-0 in the men’s football semi-final of the 33rd SEA Games held at Rajamangala Stadium (Bangkok).
Speaking at the post-match press conference, coach Garrath McPherson said this was a tense match between two teams worthy of competing for the gold medal. “Vietnam U22 has slightly better quality than us. They scored from a cross outside the box. We tried to turn the situation around, but the risk of conceding was high.”
“I understand the caliber of the Vietnam U22 players, especially after the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship. They are a very good team. We are very heartbroken and sad, but not alone. The whole team has been together throughout this time. We will wake up together, take steps forward, and continue to develop,” he added.
Talking about Vietnam U22’s two goals, coach Garrath McPherson shared: “Vietnam U22’s opening goal was very beautiful as it was a good header. No goalkeeper could have saved that shot. We should have done better by not allowing the ball to be delivered into the penalty area.
As for the second goal, the ball bounced right in front of the goalkeeper. The pitch had some issues, with a few uneven spots. It was unfortunate for our goalkeeper as this tournament has been a good one for him.
Overall, the two Vietnam U22 goal scorers are of good quality. They reflected the depth of the Vietnam U22 squad.”
Further evaluating Vietnam U22, coach McPherson said: “Vietnam U22 is well-organized. They know how to play, they like to play with many players around. They like to create space on the flanks with diagonal crosses.
Vietnam U22 likes to deliver crosses into the penalty area and proves very dangerous in those moments. With this style of play, they need brilliance from individual players to break the deadlock. We had our chances, got the ball into the box, but unfortunately today we lost to a strong team.”
The Philippines U22 players collapsed on the pitch after the loss to Vietnam U22. Some players even cried. But coach McPherson is determined to lead the Philippines U22 team to bring home the bronze medal.
“I understand why my players reacted that way. They are physically tired and mentally sad. They gave their all on the pitch. Everyone wanted to bring home the gold medal. But the whole team will only be sad tonight.
Tomorrow the whole team will wake up and recover, review the match, analyze the next opponent, and be ready to take the pitch in the next 3 days to bring home the bronze medal. This is still a big step forward compared to the previous achievements of the Philippines U22 team.”
On the afternoon of December 15, the Vietnam U22 team defeated the Philippines U22 2-0 in the semi-final to secure a spot in the men’s football final of the 33rd SEA Games.
