Vietnam U23 will enter the match with the same confidence as in the first four games.
The key factor that brought joy to fans and built ever-increasing confidence for the U23 Asian Championship finals in the recent matches was the fearless and unwavering attitude of the team, never showing inferiority against opponents considered "superior". From the matches against U23 Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and even the UAE, while we didn't overwhelmingly dominate the game, the biggest impression was the incredibly confident play of the U23 Vietnam team. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his players ignited a great passion and pride in the viewers with their completely proactive approach to the game.
Thanh Phúc and Đình Bắc will inspire the team's style of play.
PHOTO: VFF
Throughout these matches, the Vietnam U23 team consistently prioritized safety, but played very smoothly with a close-knit formation, supporting each other in every play and readily transforming their possession into their own unique style of play. This approach effectively showcased the skillful abilities of the Vietnamese players while limiting the opponents' ability to maneuver.
Watching how the Vietnam U23 team easily disrupted the lines of West Asian and Central Asian teams, leaving them bewildered, confused, and unable to coordinate, was truly a great source of happiness.
Captain Khuat Van Khang should make more use of his free kicks.
PHOTO: VFF
We could have maintained that style of play if our physical condition had recovered better, the squad hadn't been depleted by several key players with potential injuries, and we had replacements capable of maintaining stability in the lineup. Unfortunately, this happened in the match against China, where, despite high morale, the pressure of playing with less-than-optimal legs was immense. The lack of energy to implement our style of play, coupled with the way the Chinese U23 team used their tactics to surprise us, effectively "tied down" the Vietnamese U23 team, preventing them from maximizing their ball control.
Thai Son played a crucial role in setting the tempo for the match against South Korea.
PHOTO: VFF
That's a big lesson, and it shows us that we should put the past behind us and focus on the match against South Korea. We might be weaker, the team might not be complete, but our willpower, determination, and what we achieved in the first four matches must be carried forward. More than ever, Dinh Bac and his teammates should play a spectacular, powerful game and fight tenaciously. Only then, regardless of the outcome, will it be the best way to redeem ourselves after the semi-final defeat, and it will also make fans even prouder of this talented team that has left such a glorious impression.
Xuan Bac also needs to play more aggressively to make the midfield strong enough to defeat South Korea.
PHOTO: VFF
Even though South Korea is considered far superior, we should internalize our past performances against stronger opponents and never give up.
They may try to impose their will or exert pressure to control the game, but if the U23 team remains calm, enthusiastic, and has a positive mindset, they can still create top-notch plays, spectacular upsets, and opportunities that will trouble the team from the land of kimchi. That's all it takes for the U23 Vietnam team to make South Korea confused, clumsy, and ultimately fearful in this third-place match.
Hopefully, the Vietnam U23 team can rediscover this kind of joy.
PHOTO: VFF
To achieve that, it's crucial to play boldly with what you have, with psychological preparation, tactical planning, and a thorough assessment of the game on the field to make quick and wise decisions. The Vietnam U23 team needs a strong physical foundation to compete at speed with a more powerful opponent, as well as psychological strategies to ensure the players are not only enthusiastic but also fearless against a team that won the 2020 AFC U23 Championship. If they can do that, it will be a powerful mark of Coach Kim Sang-sik on his home country's team, helping the Vietnam U23 team play brilliantly, perfectly showcasing their qualities, and inspiring a truly deserving exit from the AFC U23 Championship.
The match against South Korea U23 will take place at 10 PM on January 23rd. Vietnam U23 will return home on flight QR 984, landing at 7:45 PM (at Noi Bai International Airport).
Thanhnien.vn
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-viet-nam-dau-tri-han-quoc-no-luc-tot-do-gianh-hcd-ca-khuc-khai-hoan-ve-nuoc-ngay-241-18526012214311993.htm
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