VHO – Vietnam U23 team stopped in the quarterfinals of the 2024 U23 Asian Finals after losing at least 0-1 to Iraq U23 team. Coach Hoang Anh Tuan, although regretful with this result, also affirmed that the students played beautiful, fair-play football.
Against a higher-rated opponent, U23 Vietnam performed well, most of the time not letting the opponent overwhelm them, and the defense worked focused. But unfortunately, a small mistake from goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan caused U23 Vietnam to receive a penalty at the beginning of the second half, leading to a loss of the match.
Coach Hoang Anh Tuan was satisfied with his students’ performance. Photo: VFF
Sharing after the match, coach Hoang Anh Tuan said that the U23 Vietnam team has played better with each match, in which the confrontation with strong opponent Iraq can be considered the best performance of U23 Vietnam. Men at the 2024 Asian U23 Finals.
“I affirm that U23 Vietnam played beautiful, fair-play football. Even though the team received a penalty and received a red card at the end of the match, we played aggressively until the last moment. I want Vietnamese players to promote that in a better way in the future. U23 Vietnam has been playing better and better with each match.”
“Before U23 Iraq, we saw how U23 Vietnam played. U23 Vietnam’s opponent in the quarterfinals is U23 Iraq, instead of U23 Malaysia or U23 Kuwait in the group stage. Facing such a strong opponent, we can see that the team has improved in terms of expertise, technique, and especially competitive spirit. I’m happy about this,” coach Hoang Anh Tuan said.
When asked about the situation that led to the penalty, causing U23 Vietnam to concede a goal to U23 Iraq on the penalty spot, coach Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his opinion: “As head coach, I only focus on expertise. care about how your players play. I can’t say whether the penalty was right or wrong. Because that is the story of the referee.”
U23 Vietnam (red shirt) played well against U23 Iraq. Photo: VFF
“The match is over and I don’t want to repeat that situation again. I would like to congratulate Iraq U23 for winning tickets to the semi-finals. The adventure of U23 Vietnam has stopped here. However, I am very satisfied with what the players have shown. It’s a pity that the match was decided by an 11m penalty. But that’s football.”
At the end of the post-match press conference, coach Hoang Anh Tuan returned to the team’s dressing room to encourage his players. He shook hands and thanked each player for their fighting spirit and efforts to the end.
The strategist from Khanh Hoa also advised the players, when returning to the club, to continue to maintain self-discipline, continue to practice and develop their skills to first contribute to the club, then contribute. contribute to the team in upcoming journeys.
