Diverse set-piece situations
The 2-0 victory against U23 Jordan in their opening group stage match of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship (January 6th) demonstrated the effectiveness of Vietnam's U23 team's tactical approach. Against a higher-ranked opponent, coach Kim Sang-sik's team confidently showcased their skills and the fighting spirit of the reigning Southeast Asian champions, dominating the game and securing a convincing 3 points.
Of the 16 teams participating in this year's AFC U23 Asian Championship, Coach Kim Sang-sik's squad is one of the two teams with the most modest average height. Statistics show that the average height of the "Golden Star Warriors" is 177.39 cm, only slightly taller than the U23 Thailand team.
Nguyen Hieu Minh (4) is a central defender with all-around offensive and defensive capabilities. (Photo: The AFC)
However, the Vietnam U23 team always knows how to surprise their opponents with the variety of set-piece situations. Coach Kim's players make flexible runs, switch positions, and shield the ball, creating space for teammates to take shots. This tactic has been continuously practiced and applied in the U22/U23 training camps during FIFA Days 2024 and 2025.
Both of Vietnam U23's goals against Jordan U23 originated from corner kicks. Before scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot, Nguyen Dinh Bac took a corner kick from the left wing, sending the ball curling towards the Jordan goal, causing the opposing defender to fumble and handle the ball, resulting in a penalty for Vietnam U23.
Then, in the 41st minute, Van Khang took a corner kick from the right wing, also curling the ball in a rainbow arc towards the far post of the U23 Jordan goal, and Hieu Minh weaved past the opposing defender to tap the ball in from close range, securing the final victory for his team. Despite being shorter than the West Asian team, the U23 Vietnam player consistently held the advantage in aerial duels.
The corner kicks of the Vietnam U23 team are quite diverse, ranging from short passes to long passes, sending the ball into the space within the opponent's penalty area, with the target being teammates capable of aerial duels such as center-backs Hieu Minh and Ly Duc... This has been programmed in training sessions and regularly implemented in tournaments over the years.
The ability to capitalize on set pieces – from corner kicks and free kicks to targeted crosses – is not just a temporary solution, but has become a well-organized attacking tactic, reflecting modern football thinking that emphasizes adherence to rules and discipline throughout the team.
A notable aspect is how the Vietnam U23 team organized their players in the penalty area. Their movements were layered: some players held up, others drew defenders away, and some surged forward to shoot. This allowed the team to create spatial advantages, rather than relying solely on jumping ability or physical strength.
Center-backs score goals like strikers.
Statistics show that the Vietnam U23 team has scored a total of 8 direct goals from corner kicks in just 3 tournaments since June 2025, including the Southeast Asian U23 Championship, the 2026 Asian U23 Championship (qualifying and final rounds), and the 33rd SEA Games.
Tactics are only truly effective when you have the right players. The Vietnam U23 team currently possesses many players with good free-kick abilities, consistent crossing skills, and decent aerial ability compared to the regional standard. Coach Kim Sang-sik doesn't look for overly outstanding individuals, but prioritizes synchronized movement and coordination. This allows the Vietnam U23 team to maintain their threat throughout the match, even when not dominating possession.
Among them, center-back Hieu Minh, with his impressive height of 1.84 m, is often chosen by his teammates to participate in set-piece attacks. Before scoring against U23 Jordan, the 21-year-old had scored in the victory against Laos in the group stage of the 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Championship, indirectly contributed to Vietnam's 1-0 win against Nepal in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, and opened the scoring in the victory against U22 Malaysia in the group stage of the 33rd SEA Games.
Not only is he gifted at scoring goals, Hieu Minh is also a "steel wall" in the three-man central defense of the Vietnam U23 team, alongside Ly Duc and Nhat Minh. In the opening match of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship, Hieu Minh had a 90% win rate in tackles, made absolutely accurate interceptions, and deservedly won the Man of the Match award.
On January 9th, in the second match of Group A, Vietnam U23 will face Kyrgyzstan U23, a team participating in the tournament's finals for the first time. The Central Asian team has a strong physical foundation and attacking wingers with speed and technical skills.
Watch the entire 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship Finals on TV360 at https://tv360.vn. Enjoy a smooth multi-platform experience, rewind and replay, and free Viettel 4G/5G data.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/vu-khi-moi-cua-u23-viet-nam-196260107204531357.htm
Comment (0)