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U22 Vietnam had a difficult opening match of SEA Games 33. Photo: Minh Chien . |
Coach Kim Sang-sik's team dominated in terms of ball possession, number of attacks and speed of game control, but revealed too many limitations in the ability to organize attacks, which was expected to become the team's strongest point at SEA Games 33.
The problem of U22 Vietnam
It is worth mentioning that U22 Vietnam entered the match with a pre-determined game plan. Everyone understood that U22 Laos would proactively cede control, concentrate their troops on their home field and defend in multiple layers to hold on for a draw. This is a familiar pattern in "upper odds" matches and is an opportunity for U22 Vietnam to demonstrate their attacking quality.
However, reality shows the opposite: the red team is still not sharp, brave and cunning enough to break down a simply organized but hard-working defense.
Three points were earned the hard way. Frankly speaking, if it weren't for the controversial decision of the referee to award the second goal when Quoc Viet was offside, U22 Vietnam would not have ended the opening day with such joy.
The biggest problem lies in the midfield. The two central midfielders of U22 Vietnam did not create the necessary difference. They passed safely, passed horizontally and passed back more than trying to penetrate the gaps between the defensive layers of U22 Laos.
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U22 Vietnam's attacking play is too bland. Photo: Minh Chien . |
Throughout the match, there were almost no passes that could “splinter” the opposition defence to put the striker in an advantageous position. Central breakthroughs, an important weapon to force the opponent to commit a foul or stretch the defensive structure, were also almost absent.
When the midfield is blocked, U22 Vietnam is forced to move the ball to the wing. This is the most predictable choice for a team that is blocked in the middle, and this makes U22 Laos easier to defend. They do not have to divide their strength into many attacking directions, are not forced to constantly rotate to follow the diverse attacks. The monotony of U22 Vietnam makes the attack only strong in the number of moves but weak in the level of danger.
U22 Vietnam is too monotonous in attack
Mr. Kim put three attacking players on the field at the same time, Dinh Bac, Quoc Viet and Thanh Nhan, hoping to create strong pressure. But all three had difficulty creating space for themselves. They were quickly surrounded, their movement was blocked and they did not have enough support from the back line to escape the pressure.
Although Dinh Bac was energetic and scored a double, his chance conversion rate was still not high. Quoc Viet handled the technique well but rarely crossed the 16.50 meter line to create a truly dangerous finishing situation. Thanh Nhan was the most disappointing, with inaccurate finishing moves, even as if clearing the ball to save the opponent.
These limitations clearly reflect the nature of U22 Vietnam at this time: there is effort, there is determination, but creativity and sharpness are still lacking. A team that wants to go far in the SEA Games cannot just rely on pushing the ball down the wing, using all their strength and waiting for individual moments. They need lines, need strategies and need a system capable of unlocking crowded defenses.
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Dinh Bac shines in U22 Vietnam's victory over U22 Laos. Photo: Minh Chien . |
It can be comforting to know that the opening match always brings with it pressure and heavy psychology. The first three points are still the most important. But looking at the performance, this is a very clear warning for Coach Kim.
U22 Malaysia, the next opponent, is of a much higher level than U22 Laos. They press better, maintain a tighter structure and counterattack more dangerously. If U22 Vietnam enters that match with a monotonous and unconventional attack like today, the possibility of dropping points is entirely possible.
SEA Games 33 is a tournament in which Vietnamese football has high expectations for the men's team. And hard-fought victories like the one against U22 Laos need to become lessons, not habits. If they want to go further, U22 Vietnam must immediately improve their attacking system, starting with making the central passes less safe, more decisive, and especially improving the recklessness in the final touches.
3 points is a necessary start. But to reach the finish line, U22 Vietnam must play much more convincingly.
Source: https://znews.vn/u22-viet-nam-phai-cai-thien-ngay-hang-cong-post1608250.html
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