'Super sub' shines to bring U.20 Vietnam to the top

The starting lineup of U.20 Vietnam when facing U.20 Bhutan did not include midfielder Nguyen Cong Phuong - a player who has been playing for the first team of The Cong Viettel in the V-League for the past two seasons. Lacking a player with good ball control ability like Cong Phuong, the midfield of U.20 Vietnam appeared weaker than the opponent for most of the first half. The midfield lost the ball many times, creating opportunities for U.20 Bhutan to threaten goalkeeper Dinh Hai's goal.

Cong Phuong (10) shined brightly with 2 goals and 2 assists for U.20 Vietnam on the opening day.

The highlight of U.20 Vietnam in the first 45 minutes of the match was the attacks from the right wing. In which, the trio of skilled and agile players, striker Nguyen Le Phat, midfielder Nguyen Ngoc Chien and winger Hoang Minh Tien, created a formidable attacking triangle of U.20 Vietnam. Nguyen Bao Long's opening goal for U.20 Vietnam in the 7th minute was the starting point of a sharp attack by the trio of players mentioned above. Such attacking moves need to be further developed by U.20 Vietnam players.

However, the biggest highlight of U.20 Vietnam on the opening day was reserve player Nguyen Cong Phuong. Entering the field at the beginning of the second half, the midfielder born in 2006 helped U.20 Vietnam's game improve significantly. The midfielder of Viettel The Cong Club contributed 2 assists for Nguyen Dang Duong (minute 52) and Nguyen Huu Tuan (minute 78) to score. He also scored himself with an impressive sprint from the midfield line and a calm finish in a one-on-one situation (minute 74), before sealing a 5-0 victory for U.20 Vietnam with a tricky curling shot in the 90th minute.

With this result, U.20 Vietnam rose to the top of Group A of the 2025 U.20 Asian qualifiers. In the next match at 7:00 p.m. on September 25, U.20 Vietnam will face U.20 Guam.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sieu-du-bi-ruc-sang-dua-u20-viet-nam-len-dinh-1852409232227173.htm