Defeating U23 Myanmar, U23 Vietnam puts one foot in the semi-finals

The fact that U23 Indonesia defeated U23 Philippines with a score of 4-0 in the early match made the race for 2 tickets to play in the semi-finals of Group A more fierce and attractive. The ranking order of Group A before this match is as follows: U23 Indonesia and U23 Myanmar are in the first 2 positions with 6 points each, U23 Vietnam is in the 3rd position with 2 points less.

The starting lineup of U23 Vietnam. Photo: Hai Hoang

If they defeat U23 Myanmar, Coach Park Hang-seo and his team will almost certainly be present in the semi-finals as the top team in Group A, because their opponent in the final match is U23 Timor Leste. In case U23 Myanmar defeats U23 Vietnam, Coach Velizar Popov and his team will also officially pass the group stage early, one match early.

Coach Park Hang-seo and his team perform the flag-raising ceremony. Photo: Hai Hoang

The flag was brought by fans to cheer for the home team. Photo: Hai Hoang

Due to the importance of the match, Coach Park Hang-seo and Coach Velizar Popov both fielded their strongest lineups. While the 11 names that started the match for U23 Myanmar did not have many notable changes, on the opposite side, U23 Vietnam welcomed the return of right-back Le Van Xuan and central midfielder Ly Cong Hoang Anh, while left-back Le Van Do had to sit on the bench.

The two teams entered the match with high fighting spirit. Photo: Hai Hoang

Contrary to the predictions of most fans, U23 Myanmar was the team that had dangerous attacks on goalkeeper Nguyen Van Toan's goal. In just the first 5 minutes, Aung Wunna Soe (number 15) and Lwin Moe Aung (number 7) had chances to score the match.

The attacks of U23 Vietnam were not as effective as expected, against the opponent's dense defense. Photo: Hai Hoang

However, in the following minutes, Coach Park Hang-seo's students immediately took control of the game, with the ball mainly rolling on the U23 Myanmar field. Unfortunately, the attacks of U23 Vietnam did not bring the expected results, against the opponent's dense and focused defense.

At the end of the first half, the two teams entered the break with a score of 0 - 0. Overall, just like the two matches with U23 Indonesia and U23 Philippines, the U23 Vietnam attack played very deadlocked and harmless. The score of 0 - 0 accurately reflected what the two teams had shown.

Just like the two matches with U23 Indonesia and U23 Philippines, the U23 Vietnam attack played very deadlocked and harmless. Photo: Hai Hoang

Right at the beginning of the second half, Coach Park Hang-seo sent Le Van Do and Huynh Cong Den onto the field. The appearance of the two faces above helped the U23 Vietnam attack line to have more freedom. A series of dangerous situations were created by Nguyen Tien Linh and his teammates.

Hung Dung scored an excellent goal that brought a precious victory for U23 Vietnam. Photo: Hai Hoang

However, it was not until the 76th minute that Coach Park Hang-seo's players scored the opening goal of the stalemate. Captain Do Hung Dung's precise shot pierced the net of goalkeeper Pyae Phyo Thu, after a very delicate cross from Le Van Do. A combination that deserved a score of 10.

Teammates celebrate with Hung Dung. Photo: Hai Hoang

U23 Myanmar had to accept defeat with a score of 0 - 1. Photo: Hai Hoang

Conceding a goal forced U23 Myanmar players to rise up and attack. However, the visitors' attacks could not overcome goalkeeper Nguyen Van Toan and the U23 Vietnam defense. Unable to score an equalizer, U23 Myanmar had to accept defeat with a score of 0 - 1, to the regret of coach Velizar Popov and his team.

With a 1-0 victory over U23 Myanmar, U23 Vietnam has risen to the number 1 position in Group A. If they do not lose to U23 Timor Leste in the final match on May 15, coach Park Hang-seo and his team will automatically be present in the semi-finals. On the contrary, U23 Myanmar must defeat U23 Indonesia in the match at the same time to be able to be present in the round of 4 strongest teams.

Starting lineup U23 Vietnam vs U23 Myanmar

U23 Vietnam: Van Toan, Viet Anh, Thanh Binh, Tuan Tai, Tien Long, Hung Dung, Hoang Duc, Hoang Anh, Van Xuan, Tien Linh, Nham Manh Dung.

U23 Myanmar: Pyae Phyo Thu, Aung Wunna Soe, Soe Moe Kyaw, Thet Hein Soe, Hein Zeyar Lin, Lwin Moe Aung, Yan Kyaw Soe, Zaw Win Thein, Ye Lin Htet, Win Naing Tun, Myat Kaung Khant.