Unfortunately losing to Iraq, U23 Vietnam stopped in the quarterfinals of the U23 Asian Championship

In the early morning of April 27, the U23 Vietnam team suffered a 0 – 1 defeat against U23 Iraq in the quarterfinals of the U23 Asian Championship because the only goal was from the penalty spot.

Against a more highly rated opponent, U23 Iraq, U23 Vietnam played without being inferior. The players proactively pressed early, making the opponent confused.

In the following minutes, both teams played safely and neither team wanted to concede early. The main referee caught fouls from afar very tightly, making the match quite fragmented. The first half ended without any goals scored because there were very few dangerous opportunities created.

In the second half, U23 Vietnam’s defense made a mistake. Although Quan Van Chuan’s impact on the opposing striker was not too great, the hand-pulling gesture was enough for the referee and VAR to blow a penalty.

On the 11m mark, Ali Jasim easily scored accurately to open the score and bring a big advantage to Iraq U23. In the remaining minutes, U23 Vietnam tried to push the team higher but encountered many difficulties with Iraq’s ability to hold the ball and counterattack.

Conceding a goal, U23 Vietnam’s playing spirit was somewhat affected. Low physical strength and a hasty mentality make the opportunities created very limited.

Minute 90+1, Manh Hung received a red card after using the bottom of his shoe to kick Ali Jasim’s shin. Playing without players, U23 Vietnam was powerless to find an equalizer and almost had to receive another penalty if VAR did not intervene.

In the end, U23 Vietnam lost with a minimum score of 0-1 to U23 Iraq, and lost all hope of attending the Olympics. Meanwhile, Iraq U23 will enter the semi-finals to meet Japan U23. Southeast Asia only has one representative left, U23 Indonesia. Coach Shin Tae-yong and his team will face U23 Uzbekistan.