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Vietnam U23 team gets off to a good start in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship. |
The Vietnam U23 team entered the match against Jordan with a very clear choice: not to push the tempo too high, not to get involved in disorganized challenges, but always to maintain the initiative in how they deployed their tactics. This was not the explosive approach often seen in youth teams, but rather a calculated approach, reflecting a change in the mindset regarding youth football development.
The game was "programmed": No need for dominance, just timing.
The early long-range shots from Khuat Van Khang and Pham Minh Phuc were not simply individual efforts. They signaled that the Vietnam U23 team wanted to stretch Jordan's defense, forcing the opponent to retreat and disrupt their familiar defensive structure.
When Jordan was pushed into a passive defensive position, set pieces began to become their weapon. The opening goal in the 15th minute was a direct result of that relentless pressure.
VAR only played a confirming role; the core issue lay in Jordan's relentless defense in the penalty area. Nguyen Dinh Bac executed the penalty neatly and coolly, but the most significant aspect of the goal was that it turned the tide of the game.
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Vietnam U23 secured a convincing victory against Jordan U23. |
From this point on, Jordan was forced to control the ball more, to take more risks, exactly the scenario that the Vietnam U23 team wanted. Significantly, after taking the lead, the Vietnam U23 team showed no signs of slowing down.
The team maintained a reasonable distance between players, and the pressing was selective, avoiding a mass surge that would leave gaps behind. Jordan had a lot of possession, but it was largely superficial control. Their attacking trio had almost no space to maneuver in dangerous areas.
The difference lies in discipline and game management skills.
If the first goal was a turning point, then the second goal before halftime was a testament to the meticulous preparation of the Vietnam U23 coaching staff. A corner kick, a tricky ball trajectory, and an easy escape from the marker by Nguyen Hieu Minh at the far post.
Jordan didn't lose because they were completely outplayed, but rather because of their inability to organize their defense in crucial moments. The two goals conceded, both from set pieces, reflect a difference in concentration and tactical discipline.
In youth tournaments, where skill levels are not significantly different, such details often determine the outcome of a match.
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Vietnam U23 secured a convincing victory against Jordan U23. |
In the second half, Jordan had no choice but to push their team forward. The pressure increased, but the quality of their attack couldn't keep up.
The hurried, inaccurate shots revealed a deadlock in their approach to the goal. Tran Trung Kien faced almost no real challenge, as the defense in front of him did a good job of covering and shielding from afar.
A commendable aspect is that the Vietnam U23 team didn't get caught up in the opponent's pace. They opted to slow down the game, prioritizing control of space and time.
There were no unnecessary risky attacks, no frantic rush to score more goals. Instead, the game was played calmly, knowing when to retain possession and when to break the tempo.
This is a significant difference from the image of many previous U23 teams, which sometimes played very well but lacked the ability to "close the game". Against Jordan, the Vietnam U23 team showed that they understand the value of a clean victory, especially in their opening match of the tournament.
The 2-0 victory therefore holds more significance than just the points. It is proof of a team that is gradually shaping its identity: playing with plan, discipline, and knowing how to make the most of its strengths.
In a group where every match could decide the outcome, such a start provides a significant advantage both in terms of morale and standing. More importantly, the Vietnam U23 team sent a clear message: they didn't come to this tournament to "test their mettle." They came to compete fairly, demonstrating maturity in their thinking and competitive spirit.
Vietnam U23 scores two goals against Jordan. On the evening of January 6th, Vietnam U23 brilliantly defeated Jordan U23 with a score of 2-0 in the opening match of Group A of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship.
Source: https://znews.vn/u23-viet-nam-qua-hay-post1617405.html
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