Vietnam stopped at the group stage of U17 Asia 2023

Thailand lost 1-0 to Uzbekistan in the final round of Group D on the evening of June 23, Vietnam left the competition early at the 2023 AFC U17 Finals.

* Goal scorer: Shodiboev 24'

Vietnam lost 0-1, while in the same match Japan defeated India 8-4. Group D ended with first place belonging to Japan - the team with the same seven points, but ranked above Uzbekistan on goal difference (+7 compared to +2).

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his team entered the match at Thammasat Stadium on the evening of June 23rd with the mindset of having to win. However, Uzbekistan was considered stronger, so Vietnam still played cautiously with a 5-4-1 formation. Although defending deep and waiting for counter-attacks, Vietnam's goal was always in danger because Uzbekistan attacked well on the flanks.

In the 22nd minute, Ollobergan Karimov released the ball to the second line for Ozodbek Uktamov to shoot from about 22 meters, forcing goalkeeper Bao Ngoc to struggle to block. Two minutes later, Karimov attracted two Vietnamese players before releasing the ball for Lizizbek Mirzayev to run down the right wing and cross into the penalty area. In an unmarked position, Shodiyor Shodiboev connected and sent the ball hitting the edge of the crossbar before going into the net.

The goal forced Vietnam to push up their formation to attack, opening up many opportunities for Uzbekistan to counterattack. But Mirzayev and Shodiboev missed in turn when facing goalkeeper Bao Ngoc. It was not until the 41st minute that Vietnam had its first shot from outside the box thanks to a personal effort by Le Huynh Trieu.

Vietnam (white shirt) lost to Uzbekistan (blue shirt) 0-1 in the final round of Group D of the 2023 AFC U17 Championship. Photo: AFC — Vietnam (white shirt) lost to Uzbekistan (blue shirt) 0-1 in the final round of Group D of the 2023 AFC U17 Championship. Photo: *AFC*

In the second half, coach Hoang Anh Tuan sent striker Hoang Cong Hau onto the field to increase the attack. Vietnam's defense also played better, effectively counter-attacking, helping the offense feel more comfortable.

In the 70th minute, Le Dinh Long Vu dribbled past on the left wing and shot into the near corner but was blocked by an Uzbekistan defender before the goal line. Five minutes later, Cong Hau got down to receive a through ball but missed the target. Not long after that, Vietnam put pressure on the opponent and stole the ball, Cong Hau passed to Huynh Trieu on the open left wing, but his final shot went over the bar.

Vietnam continued to send in a player taller than 1m90, Dinh Quang Kiet, who usually plays as a center back, to play as a striker, taking advantage of the high balls but without any results. The team could not make a comeback even though there were seven extra minutes in the second half.

This defeat caused coach Hoang Anh Tuan and Vietnam to stop at the group stage of the continental tournament for the second consecutive time in 2023, after the U20 Asian tournament.

Starting lineup:

U17 Vietnam: Bao Ngoc, Dang Thanh Binh, Nguyen Luong Tuan Khai, Phan Van Thanh, Quoc Khanh, Thien Phu, Pham Nguyen Quoc Trung, Le Dinh Long Vu, Le Huynh Trieu, Cong Phuong, Vi Dinh Thuong

Uzbekistan U17: Muhammadyusuf Sobirov, Bekhruz Jumatov, Ollobergan Karimov, Shodiyor Shodiboev, Ozodbek Uktamov, Azizbek Tulkunbekov, Mukhammedali Reimov, Behruz Shukurullaev, Sherzodbek Abdulboriev, Dilshod Abdullayev, Lazizbek Mirzayev.

Hieu Luong

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