Much needs improvement.

Before their final match against U20 Syria, U20 Vietnam had two options: either go all-out against their opponent to seek victory (meaning accepting the risk of defeat), or play cautiously and safely, aiming for a draw. If they earned one point against U20 Syria, U20 Vietnam wouldn't claim the top spot, but would have a significant advantage in the race to qualify as one of the five best second-placed teams. The strategic planning before this crucial match is understandable for Coach Hua Hien Vinh and his team.

Vietnam U.20 (9) lost to Syria U.20 in a heartbreaking defeat.

In the first 45 minutes, both teams played cautiously and defensively, with only a handful of dangerous opportunities created. Syria's U20 team had slightly more possession, but didn't rush to push forward, instead focusing on quick, simple attacks down the flanks. The West Asian representatives didn't play aggressively or aggressively from the start like in previous matches. Similarly, Vietnam's U20 team also played solidly, keeping most of their players in midfield to contest possession and defend from afar.

However, as the Syrian U20 team gradually shifted their approach towards a more adventurous style, the Vietnamese U20 team lost because they couldn't adapt quickly enough. Perhaps the mistake of coach Hua Hien Vinh and the Vietnamese U20 coaching staff lay in believing that the Syrian U20 team would maintain their old playing style. When the opponent started to increase the pace and apply pressure with deep runs down the flanks, exploiting the space behind the two wing-backs, the Vietnamese U20 team had almost no counter-moves.

The home team played a monotonous, lackluster attacking game, relying heavily on the inspiration of Nguyen Cong Phuong. However, unlike the U20 Bhutan or U20 Guam teams, the U20 Syria team was too good at tackling and pressing, preventing the U20 Vietnam team from launching fluid attacks. Furthermore, their passive and somewhat defensive mindset also hindered Cong Phuong and his teammates. Only after conceding a goal in the second half due to an own goal did the U20 Vietnam team truly play for victory, removing the mental barriers of their previous defensive tactics.

However, a few minutes of daring to play risky football were not enough for the Vietnam U20 team to turn the tide. Coach Hua Hien Vinh's team lost due to miscalculations by the coaching staff, and also lacked the skilled players to overcome the more resilient and effective Syria U20 team.

Vietnam U20 won 3 and lost 1 of their 4 matches in the U20 Asian Championship qualifiers. Cong Phuong and his teammates defeated Bhutan U20 (5-0), Guam U20 (3-0), and Bangladesh U20 (4-2), but lost to Syria U20 (0-1). With 9 points, Vietnam U20 finished second in the group and had to anxiously wait for the results of the other second-placed teams to know their fate. Despite having home advantage and being in a relatively easy group, failing to secure their own destiny can be considered a failure for Coach Hua Hien Vinh's team.

However, it's difficult to place all the blame on the coaching staff, because under the leadership of coaches Hua Hien Vinh and technical director Phan Thanh Hung is a generation of players who, while potentially talented, are essentially "blank slates" in the V-League and international arenas.

The lack of mental preparation after conceding a goal, or the decline in physical fitness and fighting spirit in the final 20 minutes… are all consequences of limited playing time. Without experience, "raw talent" cannot be nurtured. This is a lesson for the Vietnam U20 team, and regardless of whether they qualify for the U20 Asian Championship finals or not, those involved in football need to reflect on this.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/som-chia-tay-giai-chau-a-bai-hoc-dat-gia-cua-u20-viet-nam-can-cai-thien-rat-nhieu-185240929170911332.htm