Coach Troussier was not satisfied when U23 Vietnam was held to a draw.

Coach Troussier was not satisfied when the U23 Vietnam players were held to a 2-2 draw by U23 Singapore in the final match of the 2024 U23 Asian qualifiers.

Coach Troussier expressed his opinion after the match between U23 Vietnam and U23 Singapore. Photo: Minh Dan

Coach Troussier is not satisfied

U23 Vietnam has soon completed the goal of qualifying for the 2024 U23 Asia Championship. Therefore, coach Troussier has given opportunities to many players who rarely played in previous matches. When entering the match, U23 Vietnam still easily created an overwhelming situation against the opponent.

However, despite controlling the ball a lot, the U23 Vietnam players continuously made individual mistakes leading to goals conceded. As a result, despite being rated higher and having an overwhelming advantage, U23 Vietnam still let their opponents hold them to a 2-2 draw.

Dinh Bac scored the opening goal for U23 Vietnam from the penalty spot. Photo: Minh Dan

"A draw was not the goal I set at the beginning of the match. In terms of parameters such as ball control, chances, etc., U23 Vietnam was more dominant. Normally, teams with superior parameters will win. But football is not like that. We had already won the right to continue, so in the players' minds, their determination and spirit were a little less.

Having already qualified for the next round, the players somewhat lost focus at the decisive moment. I do not blame the players, because the goal of qualifying for the next round was completed, and the players all got to play.

This is also a lesson, control the ball well but have to score. This is also a lesson for me. Today I let the players play more freely. With this style of play, the players need to be more precise in their decisions," coach Troussier shared after the match.

U23 Vietnam has an overwhelming advantage over U23 Singapore. Photo: Minh Dan

Evaluating his players' playing style in depth, Mr. Troussier said: "U23 Vietnam controlled the ball up to 85%, but the players have not found the right ways to handle the ball. The two goals came from penalty kicks and corners.

This is the reality of Vietnamese football, at clubs, waiting for set pieces or high balls with tall players. This cannot be improved overnight. My goal is to make the team better, to play on equal terms with opponents. They need to play better, to score more goals from open play. Step by step I help the players become more confident."

U23 Singapore carefully studies U23 Vietnam's playing style

On the other side of the battle line, although being underestimated, it cannot be denied that U23 Singapore had a commendable match when holding U23 Vietnam to a 2-2 draw. Coach Mohamad Nazri also expressed his pride with this result.

"Before the match, I told them they needed to show fighting spirit like in the matches against U23 Guam and U23 Yemen. They tried hard and I'm happy about that. U23 Vietnam is a good team and is the host so today's match was very difficult. But I'm proud of my team," coach Mohamad Nazri shared.

Coach Mohamad Nazri has carefully studied U23 Vietnam. Photo: Minh Dan

Coach Mohamad Nazri also said he has carefully studied the attacking style of U23 Vietnam.

He said: "I know U23 Vietnam has the ability to attack, especially on the wings. They have two good wingers, when they have the opportunity they will counterattack quickly.

Besides, we also have strikers with good speed. When they have scoring opportunities, they take advantage of them to convert them into goals."

Laodong.vn