The key for U23 Vietnam against U23 Syria: Quang Hai, Van Quyet or Cong Phuong?

Quang Hai

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Quang Hai will be the key for U23 Vietnam against U23 Syria. Together with Cong Phuong, Quang Hai scored 2 goals at ASIAD 2018. He was rated by many foreign newspapers as the best player of U23 Vietnam at ASIAD.

According to statistics, from January to August 2018, Quang Hai scored against 5 teams representing the strongest football teams in Asia in official tournaments: Korea, Australia, Qatar, Uzbekistan and Japan. Even Quang Hai's direct free kick against U23 Uzbekistan was voted the most beautiful goal of the 2018 U23 Asian Cup.

Not only possessing a powerful left foot, Quang Hai also has excellent technique and the ability to seize opportunities extremely well when playing near the penalty area. This player from Dong Anh scored the only goal to help U23 Vietnam overcome U23 Japan in the group stage. Most likely, he will continue to make a difference in the next match.

Van Quyet

Coach Park Hang Seo put his trust in Van Quyet when he included him in the list of players participating in the 2018 U23 Asia. The Hanoi FC player quickly proved why Coach Park placed his trust in him. With his smart and technical playing style, Van Quyet was praised by the coaches of U23 Palestine and U23 Japan. With his extensive battle experience, Van Quyet is an important leader of U23 Vietnam.

Commentator Quang Huy once commented on Van Quyet: “With Van Quyet, a versatile attacking player who can play as a striker, winger or central midfielder when needed… Coach Park Hang Seo will have many attacking options in situations where the opponent actively plays a defensive game with a large number of people.” Therefore, Van Quyet can also be the key for U23 Vietnam in the match against U23 Syria.

Mr. Duc

Vietnam U23 did not have a player with the ability to play as a wall as Anh Duc at the U23 Asian Championship earlier this year. That was the tournament where Coach Park Hang Seo's students encountered many difficulties in the final group stage match against Syria.

That was the match in which U23 Vietnam could not penetrate the opponent's net, with only 1 shot on target (according to Soccerway statistics).

But now at the ASIAD, Mr. Park has in hand an experienced striker. Anh Duc's ability to score goals and create walls promises to help U23 Vietnam "unlock" the defense of U23 Syria.

Cong Phuong

The good news for Mr. Park and HAGL fans is that Cong Phuong scored the decisive goal to help U23 Vietnam overcome U23 Bahrain in the round of 16, after coming off the bench. That was Cong Phuong’s second goal at ASIAD 2018 and it was of great significance.

Before U23 Bahrain, many strikers of U23 Vietnam missed their chances and it was not until Phuong entered the field that the goal came to Park Hang Seo's team. It is very likely that Cong Phuong will continue to play the role of hero in the upcoming match with U23 Syria.

Van Toan

Van Toan could be Park's trump card in the match against U23 Syria. In the match against U23 Bahrain, his presence caused chaos in the opponent's defense. Cong Phuong's goal came after a situation where Van Toan made a cross into the box. Phuong was there at the right time to catch the ball after the opponent's clearance and immediately scored. It is very possible that against U23 Syria, Park could continue to send Van Toan onto the field if U23 Vietnam is having trouble scoring.

Phan Van Duc

After the 2018 U23 Asian Cup, SLNA players are increasingly asserting their talents and maturing. Phan Van Duc impressed at the 2018 ASIAD with 1 goal and 1 assist (crossing the ball for Anh Duc to score).

Coach Park has given him more opportunities in the tournament in Indonesia. At this time, Van Duc is full of motivation to prove himself. The important thing is that Van Duc is always self-aware of his own performance and is never satisfied with himself. This has helped him improve day by day.

The understanding between Van Duc and Anh Duc could be the key to helping U23 Vietnam tear through U23 Syria's net.