On the sidelines of the pitch: 'Rice noodles in the rain'

Do Luong youth players looked disappointed after the first half. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Determining this to be a “life and death” match, the Do Luong and Vinh City youths were both competing for a ticket to the semi-finals. Therefore, both teams entered the match cautiously but also with great determination. However, in a clumsy move and on an unlucky afternoon, the Do Luong player scored an own goal and opened the score for the Vinh City youths.

During the break between the two halves, the Do Luong youth players were very sad and depressed, many of them looked down and absent-minded. Coach Tran Van Son had to cheer up: "Why are you like rice paper in the rain? Cheer up. 1-0, 2-0 is no big deal."

"Paper can only be torn if it is torn"

Do Luong youth players face Vinh city youth players. Photo: Duc Anh

During the consultation in the match, the coach of Do Luong youth reminded the players:

- “If you have the ball, then put it in the goal. Why dribble and lose the ball? Dribbling will only kill the ball, my child!”

- "Three against one, either blind or lame", while each one is surrounded by opponents, unable to move or suffer.

- That's great. A piece of paper that thin can only be torn if torn, let alone a human fence that can only be broken through if there's a dispute or a fight.

"If you want to go far, you must win at all costs"

Vinh City Youth Coach consults with players. Photo: Thanh Phuc

To win a ticket to the semi-finals, the Vinh City Youth Team must win against the Do Luong Youth Team. Therefore, before entering the match, the coaches of the city youth team spent a lot of time instructing the tactics, reminding the players of every small detail with many hypothetical situations given.

For example, how to handle it when the opposing team's player turns his back, what happens when facing each other, whether to kick the ball in the sideline, how to throw the ball in the wrong direction...

During the match, the members of the coaching staff also divided themselves into different positions to closely monitor and direct. And finally, with a convincing victory, the Vinh City teenager won a ticket to the semi-finals.