The class of U22 Vietnam under Mr. Park

At the 29th SEA Games, it was not until the 45+2 minute that we conceded our first goal to U22 Thailand. 7 minutes after the break, U22 Vietnam not only failed to improve the situation but also conceded the second goal to Phicha Autra. In the 69th minute, Samphaodi marked the end for Coach Huu Thang and his team with the third goal.

The difference

In this match against U22 Thailand, after only 11 minutes we conceded 2 goals, not many people thought of the 29th SEA Games scenario. Especially when the goals conceded came from individual mistakes, which easily frustrated teammates, U22 Vietnam under coach Park Hang-seo was completely different.

Mr. Park is the biggest difference at the 2 SEA Games. Photo: VFF

The fact that we lost to U22 Indonesia has helped to hone the fighting spirit of Vietnamese players. In 20 matches with Southeast Asian teams, Vietnam has not lost (won 17, drawn 3), which has helped goalkeeper Van Toan quickly stabilize his spirit after making a mistake to let the goal slip.

The important thing is that he has excellent players like Thanh Tinh to pass the ball and Tien Linh with a classy header to equalize 1-2. A goal helps us stabilize our mentality and makes the Thai players not dare to continue to push up the attack. As coach Nhu Thuan commented: "If we don't score soon, it's easy to fall into a state of collapse because we can't advance and we can't focus on defense."

Even the opponents had to admire Mr. Park's quickness when he quickly put Ha Duc Chinh on the field, playing with 2 strikers when the score was 1-2 in favor of U22 Vietnam. It is rare to see him make a substitution in the first half, after mistakes of his students (in this case, Tan Tai), bringing Trong Hoang back to strengthen the defense. But in this match, Mr. Park showed why people call this coach a "wizard of the field".

Using Duc Chien instead of Viet Hung to work the steel, actively clashing with Thai players in the midfield area was considered a wise calculation of the Korean coach. Obviously, Duc Chien caused Kritsada, Supachok, Supachai, Suphanat… to face many difficulties.

The goal of “hero” Tien Linh was the turning point of the match. Photo: VFF

Just like SEA Games 29, we also conceded a goal due to a goalkeeper error, and also had a penalty (but missed) but this time it was different. When referee Ali Ismaeel re-kicked the penalty, only Mr. Park had the decision to let Tien Linh replace Tan Sinh to re-kick the penalty.

If the decision to make a substitution in the first half showed Mr. Park's decisiveness and timeliness, the decision to make a substitution in penalty kicks is also rare for national teams in tournaments. As an Asian, very emotional, but when necessary, the Korean coach still has timely and rational decisions.

Clear mark

The 2-2 equalizer made the Thais give up, the final minutes of the match were not as tense as the fans of the Golden Temple expected. Looking at the steps of the Vietnamese players, it shows that Mr. Park's request for the VFF medical team of 5 doctors was not redundant. We must have had detailed preparations for the SEA Games conquest plan to have a precious 2-2 draw.

We are getting closer to the SEA Games 30 Gold Cup. Mr. Park still has a lot of work to do with the 2 goalkeepers and the defense. But clearly the class, level and bravery of U22 Vietnam under Mr. Park Hang-seo have been significantly upgraded!