" NEVER GIVE UP"
That's the message coach Philippe Troussier has reiterated in recent training sessions. The Vietnamese team has been on an emotional rollercoaster, from moments of triumph against Japan to the pain of defeat against Indonesia. Character, technical quality, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances are the "three pillars" that keep a team in the competition. Coach Troussier's team lost its balance because it lacked these elements, relying only on a rare surge of emotion from the eager young players on their first venture into the "big leagues."
Coach Troussier
The Vietnamese team ( left ) will not give up against Iraq.
When the emotions of one of the youngest teams in the tournament were stifled by pressure and disappointment at their early exit, what did the Vietnamese team have left to fight Iraq? With a possession-based style of play still a vague concept for Troussier's players, let alone any specific approach, the Vietnamese team had to revive their spirits. That was the source of the encouragement the French strategist had given his players in recent days. Only with a positive spirit, renewed ambition, and a readiness to fight with undiminished motivation would the Vietnamese team have a chance to withstand Iraq.
Even though they've already secured first place in the group, Iraq probably won't give up. Just look at how Qatar, despite already securing the top spot, dominated against China to see that strong teams will give their all in every match to build momentum for the later rounds. Furthermore, the desire to maintain their FIFA ranking and the eagerness of the reserve players to prove themselves in this match will motivate Iraq to give their all against Vietnam.
Conversely, Quang Hai and his teammates also have plenty of motivation to play with determination. They want to leave the Asian Cup with a good performance, boosting their morale for the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where the Vietnamese team will have two very important matches: against Indonesia in March, followed by a rematch against Iraq. Furthermore, with many young players in the current Vietnamese squad, each match is a valuable opportunity. Playing a fair game and gaining experience against a strong team like Iraq is a chance for the U23 Vietnamese team to prepare for the Asian Championship finals in three months' time.
ADJUSTMENTS BY MR. T. ROUSSIER
To improve on the performance compared to the loss against Indonesia, or even the defeat against Iraq three months ago, Coach Troussier needs to make adjustments. First, in terms of personnel, the French strategist will welcome back Dinh Bac. The striker born in 2004 played very well against Japan in the role of a withdrawn forward. Against a disciplined team like Iraq, the Vietnamese team needs a "spearhead" who dares to take the ball, break through, and make bold runs like Dinh Bac. Hung Dung could return to reinforce the midfield alongside Tuan Anh and Thai Son. With a solid and rhythmic midfield, Coach Troussier's players can maintain their fighting spirit, instead of being "swallowed up" by the opponent in the midfield.
The Vietnamese team also needs to improve their ability to compete and engage in physical challenges. In the loss to Iraq three months ago, Tuan Anh and his teammates only won 40% of their challenges throughout the match. Specifically for aerial balls, Vietnam's success rate was only 32%. Stamina is a major issue, because statistics show that in the last 15 to 20 minutes of that match, the Vietnamese team completely lost control as the players were exhausted and couldn't keep up with their opponents.
The Vietnamese team has been practicing many exercises for the match against Iraq, including typical boxing drills to increase physical contact, strengthen upper body muscles, and improve balance. Although these exercises may not significantly boost the team's fitness and strength in just a few days, they demonstrate the determination and serious preparation of Coach Troussier and his players for the match against Iraq. All of this is aimed at leaving the Asian Cup with a positive farewell, creating motivation and confidence for the long journey ahead for the Vietnamese team.
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