U-23 Vietnam train at Laos national stadium. Photo: The Labourer

Nhan Dan Online- U-23 Vietnam will play against arch-rivals Thailand in the opening match at Laos national stadium tomorrow, seven days before the 25th  SEA Games opening ceremony on December 9.

Vietnam, Thailand together with Malaysia, East Timor and Cambodia are in Group A. They will compete in a round robin format for two places in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, in Group B, hosts Laos , Singapore, Myanmar and Indonesia will fight for two other berths in the semis.

Coach Calisto corrects young player’s movement. Photo:The Football

After some training sessions in Laos, now all Vietnamese players are ready for their first difficult game with Thailand. Trong Hoang who suffers his thigh injury, started training yesterday. It is a good sign for Vietnam’s team but it is hard for him to play in the opening match.

In October, U-23 Vietnam won the VFF Smartdoor Cup in Hanoi but were held in a goalless draw with Thailand who played without some key players. Now Thailand are stronger.

As scheduled, Vietnam will take on East Timor on December 4, Malaysia two days later and Cambodia on December 11. According to Vietnam’s  coach Calisto,  Vietnam should secure victories over East Timor and Cambodia, and earn 3 points in the match with Thailand or Malaysia to qualify for the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, on the Thai side Dangda may not play in the opening game because of his injury. Coach Steve Darby said that Vietnam are strong team, but he believes his players and his team have come to Vientiane to win the gold medals.

HN