Contrary to the initial prediction of choosing an active defensive style of play against a higher-rated opponent, right from the first minutes of the match, coach Hoang Anh Tuan let his players play high pressing.
U23 Vietnam’s approach to this match caused surprise, causing West Asian opponents to face many difficulties in the first 20 minutes of the match. However, Iraq U23 is not an easy opponent to bully. After a period of pressure, the West Asian representative gradually balanced the match, pushing the match into a tense situation.
U23 Vietnam played very well against an opponent that was considered stronger
The first half of the match witnessed the initiative of U23 Vietnam. Although they were underestimated, coach Hoang Anh Tuan’s students had a position that was not too inferior to U23 Iraq.
Entering the second half, the tense match continued to be maintained. Both U23 Vietnam and U23 Iraq had their own dangerous opportunities but could not take advantage of them to score the opening goal.
In the 60th minute, Iraq U23 suddenly accelerated the pace in an attack situation. The ball was sent straight into Vietnam U23’s penalty area, forcing goalkeeper Van Chuan to rush to clear the ball, preventing the opposing striker from Nihad Mohammed Watifi.
In this situation, the Hanoi FC goalkeeper had an impact on Nihad Mohammed Watifi, causing the opposing player to fall in the penalty area. Referee Ko Hyung-jin went directly to review the VAR screen.
After 4 minutes of reviewing the situation, the Korean “king of the field” decided to award a penalty to Iraq U23. On the 11m mark, Ali Jasim kicked the ball very hard, even though Van Chuan threw himself in the right direction, he couldn’t block it.
Receiving a goal, U23 Vietnam was forced to push the attacking team higher in search of an equalizer. Coach Hoang Anh Tuan decided to launch Hong Phuc. Duc Phu. Minh Quang and Vo Nguyen Hoang replaced Thai Son, Van Cuong, Van Tung and Vi Hao to create a mutation. Meanwhile, with the advantage they have, Iraq U23 plays quite comfortably.
The tense match continued until the end of the match, U23 Vietnam continued to be at a disadvantage. Minute 90 +1, Manh Hung received a red card after VAR determined that U23 Vietnam defender kicked Ali Jasim’s copper tube, causing U23 Vietnam to only play with 10 people in the context of being behind.
Despite losing in numbers, U23 Vietnam still played very resiliently. Coach Hoang Anh Tuan’s students took advantage of every opportunity to find an equalizer but were unsuccessful.
Receiving defeat with a score of 0-1 against U23 Iraq, U23 Vietnam accepted to stop in the Quarterfinals.
