Three plus points for coach Nguyen Huu Thang

(Baonghean.vn) – To be fair, at present, head coach Nguyen Huu Thang is still doing his job well.

Solving problems for Cong Phuong

Striker Nguyen Cong Phuong is like a spring that has been released - Photo: Duc Dong

Before the U23 Asian qualifiers, striker Nguyen Cong Phuong's performance became a big doubt for experts and fans. However, at least up to this point, coach Nguyen Huu Thang was right to trust the HAGL player to the end. In the match against Timor Leste, Cong Phuong scored a double, a goal against Macau and a goal against U22 Korea, confirming the return of this striker.

Determining that Cong Phuong would be the most expected explosive player in the attack, the Nghe An strategist met and talked privately with his student many times to help him relieve the pressure. At the same time, he gave the captain's armband to Tien Dung as a psychological therapy.

Kill two birds with one stone

The strategist born in 1971 has deployed 3 different lineups in 3 matches to test the goalkeeper, find the center-back pair and give the strikers a chance to try their hand. The only player who has not played is goalkeeper Sy Huy. Thereby, helping him have the most accurate calculations and assessments of the players' performance. Arranging Duy Manh to try playing in the center-back position will help him have more options for attack or defense when needed.

All players have been used after 3 matches except goalkeeper Sy Huy - Photo: Duc Dong

Having 9 players scoring in 3 matches is a positive result. And according to his calculations, it is likely that the peak performance of U22 Vietnam will be the upcoming 29th SEA Games. And of course, a ticket to the U23 Asian Cup finals next year is a concrete achievement.

Respect all opponents

In the past three matches at the U23 Asian Qualifiers, no matter who the opponent was, Coach Nguyen Huu Thang's students always played with a high determination, professionalism and not lacking in fierceness. U22 Timor Leste and Macau were weak opponents, but there was no sign of carelessness or subjectivity, instead there was respect for all opponents.

There is no sign of contempt for the opponent from U22 Vietnam under coach Huu Thang - Photo: Duc Dong

Even when the opponent was U22 Korea, the Vietnamese players confidently played on par and only lacked a bit of luck, coach Huu Thang and his team got 1 point. Boldly launching an attacking formation against this opponent is also a test in the conditions that allow U23 Vietnam to draw necessary lessons for the SEA Games. Another factor that coach Huu Thang is still promoting is the ability to create a unified bloc, with strict military rules./.

Trung Kien