'Vietnam U23 team is getting better and better with each game, they have a chance to meet Uzbekistan in the semi-finals'

"Football is a sport where each team has its own tactics and strategies. The Vietnam U23 team pushed their formation high up the field to apply pressure, creating space in their own half, and conceded two goals. Given the circumstances, we can't blame the players."

The UAE U23 team competed very well, making good use of their physique and stamina. I think in the first half, each team chose a suitable playing style and both succeeded with their tactics. The four goals, evenly divided between the two teams, clearly reflect that.

In the second half, the Vietnam U23 team continued to play proactively and didn't expend much energy. This clearly demonstrates their class. We know that the opposing team studied the Vietnam U23 team very carefully and devised many different tactics. Meanwhile, being chased in the score had a huge psychological impact on the players.

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Le Phat is only 18 years old but plays very maturely. Photo: AFC

"I see a great deal of maturity in the young Vietnamese players. I consider this a truly classy victory. We convincingly defeated three West Asian teams," expert Phan Anh Tú assessed the 3-2 victory of Vietnam U23 against UAE U23.

According to expert Phan Anh Tú, the U23 Vietnam team won strategically and proactively. The playing style of coach Kim Sang Sik 's team was characterized by ball control and confidence in facing stronger opponents.

"Everyone says the West Asian team is stronger, but the Vietnamese U23 team still has excellent ball control and bursts of speed. Besides, the substitute players who came on were almost on par with the starting players. I see almost no difference between the starting lineup and the reserve lineup. Anyone who comes on can play," said expert Phan Anh Tú.

"In this match, when we conceded the equalizer to make it 2-2, our determination to win was immense. But this wasn't a hasty victory, like UAE's, where they just kept throwing the ball around hoping for luck, and then shooting if they made a mistake. We were aggressive but calculated; our passing combinations and substitutions were all purposeful. And we executed those intentions very well."

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Vietnam U23 team has the potential to go far in the tournament. Photo: AFC

"The shot that put Vietnam ahead 3-2 took place in a very crowded defensive area, but the U23 Vietnam players handled it very well. Such skillful dribbling and passing demonstrate that this is a very mature and high-class team in this competition," expert Phan Anh Tú praised the confidence of the Vietnamese players.

In the semi-final match (10 PM on January 20th), Vietnam U23 will face the winner of the match between China U23 and Uzbekistan U23, which took place on January 17th. Expert Phan Anh Tú highly rates their opponent, Uzbekistan U23.

"Uzbekistan is superior. Their goal-scoring performance is excellent, with sharp shots. They are also a well-known team in Asia. China has improved this year, but playing against Thailand – a Southeast Asian team – will be exhausting. Thailand will proactively play to find goals, and China will have to stretch itself to defend," expert Phan Anh Tú predicted that U23 Uzbekistan will face U23 Vietnam in the semi-final.