Vietnam U23 team is VERY DIFFICULT TO PREDICT
In Saudi Arabia, the Vietnam U23 team scored 8 goals, the second highest in the tournament, only behind Japan (11 goals). Besides a variety of set-piece situations, Coach Kim Sang-sik's players also had many distinctive attacking strategies, clearly demonstrated in their 3-2 victory against the UAE in the quarter-finals. As Thanh Nien newspaper has analyzed many times, the Vietnam U23 team is extremely dangerous in attacks through the center of the field. In the first goal, left-back Van Khang made a clever through pass, sending the ball through the gap between the full-back and the center-back. Then, Dinh Bac ran down, performing a series of feints to eliminate the opposing defender before assisting Le Phat to score.
Vietnam U23 can spring surprises from every position.
PHOTO: TED TRAN
Next, right-back Minh Phuc made his mark with a perfect turn and cross, setting up Dinh Bac for a header. For the final goal, center-back Nhat Minh advanced, dribbled past two defenders, and unleashed a decisive long-range shot. Immediately afterwards, Minh Phuc finished quickly, securing the victory for Vietnam U23. Three goals, three different scenarios, three attacking directions (left, right, and center) showed that Van Khang and his teammates are not just relying on corner kicks and penalties. Furthermore, Vietnam U23's pressing and transitional abilities have gradually improved. In two instances, Le Phat intercepted the ball in the opponent's half to pass to Dinh Bac. If the striker from Nghe An had been in ideal physical condition, he could have scored in those situations.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's tactical approach was also impressive. Despite U23 Vietnam still having forwards like Van Thuan and Quoc Viet, he brought on right-back Anh Quan to replace Ngoc My. The PVF-CAND player, seemingly only tasked with strengthening the defense, proved extremely dangerous when U23 Vietnam launched attacks. In the 88th minute, he unexpectedly penetrated the penalty area, receiving a precise cross from Thanh Nhan on the left wing. Everything seemed perfect, only Anh Quan's decisive header was blocked by the UAE goalkeeper. Seven minutes later, he had another diagonal shot, narrowly missing the post. These moments showed that U23 Vietnam has many attacking options, and every player is capable of deciding the match.
PATIENCE WILL BE KEY
China's U23 team's greatest strength lies in their tenacious defense and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Li Hao. Coach and former national team player Nguyen Tuan Phong shared with Thanh Nien newspaper: "China's U23 team doesn't need to play aesthetically pleasing football; they are willing to drop deep from start to finish and wait for set-piece situations. Their weakness is poor ball control and frequently losing possession when pressed. This is an opportunity for Vietnam's U23 team to implement an assertive style of play. However, Vietnam's U23 team also needs to pay special attention to their wing attacks. The two goals conceded against UAE are a stark warning, as our wing-backs and wing forwards weren't quick enough in closing down opponents, allowing them to cross the ball too easily. China is very strong in aerial duels and second balls, therefore, Coach Kim Sang-sik's defense needs absolute concentration."
The biggest strength of the Vietnam U23 team right now is their composure. We have shown confidence by daring to control the ball and play small group combinations, knowing how to adjust the pace of the game, and especially not getting flustered even when conceding two equalizers in the match against UAE. In the upcoming semi-final, Coach Tuan Phong believes patience will be key. The Vietnam U23 team needs to maintain their formation to prevent counter-attacks, while waiting for the opponent to make mistakes before suddenly accelerating. With an attack currently in peak form and the versatility in Coach Kim Sang-sik's tactical approaches, fans have reason to believe that Li Hao will have to pick the ball out of the net for the first time in this year's tournament and the Vietnam U23 team will win.
In the semi-final match at 10:30 PM on January 20th, the Vietnam U23 team will wear their familiar red kit.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-viet-nam-se-vao-chung-ket-bang-su-bien-ao-trang-phuc-do-dau-u23-trung-quoc-185260118220157109.htm
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