They are very different from how they used to be!

Entering the tournament, the Kuwait U.23 team faced many difficulties regarding their squad and training conditions. However, the coaching staff of this team affirmed that they would defeat the Vietnam U.23 team.

But after 90 minutes filled with various emotions on the Al Janoub stadium pitch, Vietnam U23 defeated Kuwait U23 3-1. Not only did Vietnam U23 rise to the top of Group D, but they also directly pushed Kuwait U23 to the bottom of the table. The chances of advancing are also contrasting, with Vietnam U23 having a strong chance while Kuwait U23's ambitions will face significant obstacles, especially as they will have to face Uzbekistan U23 in the second match.

Al Ra Imedia commented: “Coach Emilio Peixe and the Kuwait U23 players faced many difficulties; the Vietnam U23 team was far different from what we had expected. Although the coaching staff assessed the opponent as not too strong, the Kuwait U23 team had to play defensively and counter-attack throughout the match. Even when playing with ten men and conceding a goal, the Kuwait U23 team reacted slowly and did not make appropriate adjustments.”

Highlights of Vietnam U23 3-1 Kuwait U23: First victory | AFC U23 Asian Championship 2024

The goalkeeper's mistakes were also regrettable, contributing to the stalled chances of U23 Kuwait advancing. However, in terms of squad quality, U23 Kuwait was clearly inferior to their opponent. Al Asmaa was perhaps the most energetic Kuwaiti player, constantly making runs on the left wing, disrupting the Vietnamese defense.”

Kuwaiti media criticized coach Emilio Peixe for underestimating the strength of the Vietnamese U23 team.

Meanwhile, Al Jarida newspaper pointed out the reason for Kuwait U23's defeat: "The difference between the two teams came from exploiting the opponent's mistakes. In the early minutes, Kuwait U23 always found gaps in Vietnam U23's defense. We had long-range shots and long passes but couldn't score. Conversely, as we saw, Vietnam U23 was ineffective for more than half an hour of play."

When both teams were reduced to 10 players on the field, the Vietnam U23 team proved more effective. They took full advantage of the positions where the Kuwait U23 team lacked players to attack and seize opportunities, turning Abdulrahman Kameel's mistakes into goals. Compared to previous generations of players, the Vietnam U23 team is far different and more confident in controlling the ball. However, this defeat also directly shattered the ambitions of the Kuwait U23 team at the U23 Asian Championship. If they continue to underestimate their opponents' strength, the Kuwait U23 team will face many difficulties and pay a heavy price, as seen in the match that just took place.”

U23 Vietnam is better at making the most of the spaces on the field than U23 Kuwait.

Malaysian media also paid particular attention to the match between Vietnam U23 and Kuwait U23. Previously, Malaysia U23 lost 0-2 to Uzbekistan U23 in a game where they were completely outplayed. Vietnam U23 and Kuwait U23 are Malaysia U23's remaining opponents in Group D, and the Malaysian coaching staff hopes to secure a maximum of 6 points to advance to the quarterfinals.

What did the VFF fanpage write?

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) fanpage stated: "The Vietnam U23 team started their journey at the 2024 AFC U23 Championship with a 3-1 victory against Kuwait U23. This is a very significant win, both in terms of performance and morale, for Coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his team."

The victory against Kuwait U23 was also the first win in the history of Vietnam U23's opening matches in the AFC U23 Asian Championship. Prior to this, Vietnam U23 had only drawn or lost in their opening matches in this tournament.

Furthermore, this was also the first time the Vietnam U23 team scored 3 goals in their opening match. In previous tournaments, the Vietnam U23 team only scored a maximum of 2 goals in their opening game.

Bui Vi Hao also became the first Vietnamese U.23 player in history to score a brace in the opening match of the tournament. Nguyen Van Tung also became the first Vietnamese striker to score in two consecutive opening matches of the AFC U.23 Asian Championship (in 2022 and 2024).

With their victory over Kuwait U.23, Vietnam U.23 temporarily moved to the top of Group D thanks to a better goal difference than Uzbekistan U.23.

However, the Malay Mail warned coach Garrido: “The Vietnam U23 team now has a generation of players and coaches far different from what we have seen before. They are enthusiastic and constantly running on the field. Against Kuwait U23, Vietnam U23 faced some difficulties but still managed to get 3 points. They punished their opponents' mistakes to the fullest, scoring two consecutive goals in the second half to seal the match.”

The U23 Malaysia team couldn't even get the ball forward against U23 Uzbekistan. More importantly, U23 Vietnam also showed they have an extremely good midfield in terms of ball retention, similar to their opponent who just defeated us. If we play against U23 Vietnam, Coach Garrido will have to pay close attention to this.

Furthermore, individual mistakes like those in the first match must be minimized by the Malaysian U23 team. The Malaysian U23 team cannot underestimate the speed of the Vietnamese U23 players.”

The speedy players of the Vietnam U.23 team are attracting attention from the Malaysian media.

Malaysian media warns that the Malaysian U.23 team (in yellow jerseys) needs to minimize individual mistakes.

Vietnam U23 currently leads Group D with 3 points, and coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his players have a good chance of advancing. In the second match, Vietnam U23 will face Malaysia U23 (March 20). If they win again, and Kuwait U23 loses to Uzbekistan U23, the "Golden Star Warriors" will qualify for the quarter-finals.

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