| U23 Vietnam is the first team from Southeast Asia to enter the quarterfinals of the 2024 U23 Asian Championship U23 Vietnam suffered a loss in force after defeating U23 Malaysia |
In 2018, coach Park Hang-seo’s Vietnam U23 overcame Iraq U23 in the quarterfinals was a big shock. In the previous two Asian U23 tournaments, the West Asian team was in the Top 3, including the 2013 coronation. Recall, that was the tenacious performance of Cong Phuong, Quang Hai and their teammates.
The boys in red played football with all their heart, youthful enthusiasm as well as national pride, creating a 3-3 draw in 120 minutes before winning in the penalty shootout. Of course, to create miracles, spirit alone is not enough, but also requires a combination of tactics, people and even a little luck.
After 6 years, many things have changed. Although Iraq U23 is still superior in class, it is no longer among the strongest group on the continent, while the quality of the current Vietnam U23 group is also considered to be far inferior to the senior generation.
| U23 Vietnam is ready for the quarterfinal match with U23 Iraq. |
The journey to the quarterfinals of coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his team, although impressive in terms of numbers, is unconvincing in terms of gameplay. Fragmented connections, unstable psychology, not only creating many holes in defense but also making it difficult to deploy attacks, and tending to make mistakes… all of these bring more anxiety than they bring. confidence and excitement.
However, in football there are always so-called surprises. Especially in the knockout matches of a major tournament, anything can happen. Coach Hoang Anh Tuan talked about the “new look” of U23 Vietnam in the quarterfinals, and this is certainly not an arbitrary statement. As a careful person and always meticulous in every detail, the 55-year-old strategist must have had a specific plan.
“In the past, Vietnam met Iraq at many levels and had many failures, but that does not mean that history will continue. In football, the difference in strength does not necessarily determine victory. To win there are many factors. Hopefully tomorrow’s match will change history,” he said at a press conference on April 25.
In the final match against U23 Uzbekistan, a series of pillars rested, then were ready to return for the quarter-finals, establishing the strongest squad with the best physical foundation. They were also well prepared psychologically, and at the same time inspired by their seniors’ victory 6 years ago.
Defeating U23 Iraq and being in the semi-finals also means owning “half” of the ticket to the 2024 Olympics, which certainly brings great motivation, for U23 Vietnam to play with more than 100% of its ability.
It will not be surprising if coach Hoang Anh Tuan deploys a defensive counter-attack in the quarter-finals, while looking for and taking full advantage of the opponent’s mistakes.
However, it cannot be ruled out that he will cause a surprise by pushing the team higher in the opening match, similar to how Thailand U23 did in their 2-0 victory over Iraq U23. Regardless of the approach, a tight defense is the priority, because the strategist who won the U23 Southeast Asia 2023 championship understands better than anyone that the key to success in a major tournament is solid defense. sure.
Indonesia did a miracle by eliminating U23 Korea, can U23 Vietnam repeat the miracle and write a new chapter in history? Let’s wait and see and hope.
