Vietnam U23 will make major changes before facing South Korea.

The Vietnam U.23 team will make changes, from personnel to approach, when they compete for third place against South Korea U.23 at 10 PM today, January 23rd.

Coach Kim Sang-Sik makes personnel adjustments.

After the semi-final loss to China U23, coach Kim Sang-sik urged the entire team to bounce back and maintain the best possible morale for the match against South Korea U23. This will be a real challenge, as we only have the familiar trio of central defenders playing together for the first time. Besides the familiar Nhật Minh, Đức Anh and Văn Hà will be starting for the first time in a major tournament. This makeshift defense will face immense pressure, as South Korea U23 possesses a very strong attacking capability. In addition to changes in the defense, coach Kim Sang-sik also plans to make several changes to the starting lineup, as many players appear fatigued after five intense matches.

Vietnam U23 (right) will bounce back strongly and play well against South Korea U23.

Photo: Ted Tran

In the semi-final match, the Vietnam U23 team was unable to move the ball forward to allow Le Phat and Cong Phuong to disrupt the opponent's defense due to declining physical fitness. Therefore, coach Kim Sang-sik planned to use Phi Hoang and Anh Quan on the flanks and field Quoc Cuong as a starter in midfield. The attacking problem was easier because all the players regularly rotated and were therefore in good form.

Commentator Ngo Quang Tung remarked: "Coach Kim Sang-sik's habit of rotating players makes it difficult to predict the starting lineup. In previous matches, the Vietnam U23 team only rotated the attacking line and prioritized maintaining a solid defense, but this time it's different with a completely new defensive line. I think the key to this match is trying to help the players maintain good morale from the start, because the South Korea U23 team is very strong. Despite the many changes in the lineup, the Vietnam U23 team will have to play with the best spirit and form to have a good match and bid farewell to the tournament."

Missing key defenders, how will Vietnam U23 overcome the aerial challenge against South Korea?

EMERGING FROM FAILURE

The Vietnam U23 players will have to move on from their defeat against China U23 to continue their journey of growth. The whole team will have to regroup and share the burden of the defense now that they no longer have two key players, Hieu Minh and Ly Duc. Each position will have to make a little extra effort to support their teammates who are under excessive strain, so that the system can function smoothly again.

One thing is certain: the South Korean U23 team will want to defeat the Vietnamese U23 team to vent their disappointment after losing to Japan in the semi-finals. We will need to be prepared with defensive strategies to neutralize the relentless pressure from this very strong opponent. This is also the time for new talents like Duc Anh and Van Ha to shine and prove their abilities. If Duc Anh and Van Ha are in good spirits, they will combine with Nhat Minh to form a solid defense to repel the attacks of the South Korean U23 team. Goalkeeper Trung Kien also needs to quickly forget the defeat and play to his best form, supporting and commanding the defense effectively.

Commentator Ngo Quang Tung shared: "If the Vietnamese U23 players can overcome their psychological barriers and play at their best, we still have hope, even though everyone knows the opponent is much stronger than us. Players who haven't played much recently, such as Van Ha, Duc Anh, Phi Hoang, Anh Quan, Quoc Cuong, etc., are in good physical condition, so we expect them to play a good game. Everyone will have to create discipline in their playing style, ensuring they execute the coaching staff's plan to have a good game. Each position will have to try to support the defense and unleash their strength at the right time, according to coach Kim Sang-sik's calculated strategy, to avoid an early attack from the South Korean U23 team. If we play tightly, we will have opportunities to counter-attack, find a goal, and win. The bronze medal would be a beautiful ending to a successful tournament for this talented generation of players."

The third-place match between Vietnam U23 and South Korea U23 will be broadcast live on TV360, VTV5, VTV Can Tho, and HTV Sports . Thanh Nien will provide live coverage on thanhnien.vn .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-viet-nam-se-doi-lon-truoc-doi-thu-han-quoc-185260122215154293.htm