Dangerous opponent
U23 Iraq is considered one of the candidates for a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic men’s soccer tournament in Asia. They brought to the tournament a squad with a series of national players such as midfielder Tasheen, midfielder Muntadher Maslookhi and especially attacking star Ali Jasim. Perhaps, people who love Vietnamese football cannot forget this winger.
In the match between Vietnam and Iraq in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Ali Jasim caused countless difficulties for Vietnamese defenders. Only 19 years old, Ali Jasim started for the team and performed both beautiful and effective football. What prevents him from scoring is that his shots are not dangerous enough and lack a bit of luck.
Meanwhile, Muntadher Maslookhi is only 20 years old but starts in the Iranian national championship – one of the top tournaments in Asia. This player possesses skillful technique and formidable physical strength. Only 1m78 tall, Muntadher shows the ability to compete effectively in hand-to-hand combat.
The leader of the Iraqi defense is also the oldest player – Zaid Tasheen. He is 1m90 tall and is considered a solid defensive wall for the team from West Asia. It is probably difficult for U23 Vietnam to score goals from high balls.
However, Iraq’s U23 defense also conceded 5 goals after 3 matches, despite 2 matches against not-so-strong opponents, U23 Thailand and U23 Tajikistan. Most of Iraq’s U23 defensive players play domestically, are still inexperienced and show many moments of lack of concentration.
U23 Vietnam overcame fear
The biggest problem of U23 Vietnam is psychology. It is true that Van Khang and his teammates are unlikely to reach the same quality as Vietnam’s U23 team that participated in the tournament in Changzhou (China) 6 years ago, but some players are still strong enough to carry the team at a very young age. .
Thai Son, Minh Khoa, Van Chuan, Duy Cuong, Nguyen Hoang or Van Tung are such names. They are confident in playing football regardless of whether the opponent is U23 Kuwait or U23 Uzbekistan. However, not all teammates can do that. Fear is overwhelming the alertness of some positions on the field.
Only when they can truly get rid of their worries can they play football to their full potential. Against Iraq U23, the confidence and concentration of the defense is more important than anything. The mistakes of Ngoc Thang, Duy Cuong or Thai Son are not allowed to appear in the quarterfinals. If they concede against U23 Iraq, U23 Vietnam has very little chance to correct their mistakes.
Coach Hoang Anh Tuan will not change many positions compared to the match against U23 Malaysia. The main squad will return after one match of rest. The role of striker duo Nguyen Hoang – Van Tung is to catch long counter-attacking passes. But before thinking about goals, strikers must also participate in defense.
It will not be an easy match and U23 Vietnam will have to retreat deep to create a “double-decker bus” in front of Van Chuan’s goal. Holding the opponent to a draw, going through 30 minutes of extra time and winning after a penalty shootout is the scenario many people have been waiting for.
The match U23 Vietnam – U23 Iraq takes place at 0:30 on April 27.
Probable teams:
U23 Vietnam: Quan Van Chuan, Khuat Van Khang, Luong Duy Cuong, Le Nguyen Hoang, Nguyen Manh Hung, Ho Van Cuong, Vo Hoang Minh Khoa, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Van Truong, Nguyen Van Tung, Vo Nguyen Hoang.
Iraq U23: Rasetim, Al Reeshawee, Al Imam, Tasheen, Saadoun, Muntadher Maslookhi, Al Rikabi, Ali Jasim, Watifi, Karrar Ali, Al Hamawi.
