The Vietnamese futsal team started unfavorably at SEA Games 33
Although they scored the opening goal very early, mistakes caused the Vietnamese futsal team to suffer a 2-4 defeat against Malaysia in their opening match of men’s futsal at SEA Games 33.
17/12/2025 10:54:29
The Vietnamese futsal team started the match with a lineup including goalkeeper Văn Tú and players Đa Hải, Ngọc Anh, Nhan Gia Hưng, and Minh Quang. An early pressure was created from the very beginning, and less than two minutes after the kick-off, Đa Hải opened the scoring for Vietnam with a shot that caused the opponent’s goalkeeper to fumble in the save. However, after the early goal, Coach Diego Giustozzi’s players were unable to capitalize on their advantage, leading to a change in the game’s dynamics.
In the 5th minute, from a winger situation, Thịnh Phát allowed Harith Naim to get past him, and the Malaysian player then took a shot to equalize 1-1. Coach Diego Giustozzi continuously changed formations to create more pressure. Đức Hòa had a chance with a left-footed shot, but goalkeeper Syaifuddin timely saved. As the game improved for Vietnam, they again made mistakes. In the 7th minute, from a free kick near the right sideline, Iqbal Khan Bin exploited the poorly organized wall to launch a shot into the top corner, increasing Malaysia’s lead to 2-1.
After conceding the goal, the Vietnamese futsal team increased their pressure, continuously creating scoring opportunities, but Đa Hải and Gia Hưng were both unable to beat the opponent’s goalkeeper. In the 12th minute, Coach Giustozzi had to request a time-out. Immediately afterward, Vietnam accelerated their ball circulation and played with strong pressing, making it difficult for Malaysia. In the 13th minute, Thịnh Phát’s acrobatic volley hit the post in a moment of disappointment. Attempts to attack from the wings were unsuccessful, while Minh Trí had a quick shot, but the ball missed the goal.
Missing many chances, Vietnam’s futsal team paid the price. In the 18th minute, after a shot from Faris Bin Haji, Văn Tú’s save was not clean, allowing Awalluddin to follow up and score, increasing Malaysia’s lead to 3-1. The first half ended with an unfavorable position for Vietnam.
In the second half, just 40 seconds into the match, Malaysia continued to score their fourth goal. From a long throw-in by the goalkeeper, Iqbal Khan Bin bypassed Ngọc Anh before firing a shot past Văn Tú into a quite favorable corner.
Trailing deeply, the Vietnamese futsal team pushed all their efforts forward. Đa Hải and Minh Quang had consecutive chances, but their shots were not accurate. In the 30th minute, Coach Diego Giustozzi decided to employ a power-play tactic, with Từ Minh Quang taking on the role of an outfield goalkeeper. Vietnam controlled the ball more and created significant pressure, but Minh Quang’s volley attempts missed the target. Meanwhile, Ngọc Ánh and Ngọc Linh also couldn’t overcome the excellence of goalkeeper Syaifuddin.
Their relentless efforts eventually helped the Vietnamese futsal team reduce the deficit to 2-4, when Nhan Gia Hưng provided an assist for Mạnh Dũng to score with a close-range back-heel shot. However, that was all the Vietnamese team could do in this match.
A 2-4 defeat to Malaysia — a team that previously lost 1-7 to Thailand in their opening match — put Coach Diego Giustozzi’s team at a significant disadvantage in the medal race.
The men’s futsal event at SEA Games 33 features five teams: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. They compete in a round-robin format to determine the final standings.
According to the schedule, at 16:00 on December 17, the Vietnamese futsal team will face their next challenge against Indonesia, the top contender for the gold medal at SEA Games 33.
