Top scorer title at AFC U23 Championship 2020: What are Quang Hai's chances?

Being in the same group with "easy" opponents such as U23 UAE, U23 Jordan and U23 North Korea, the opportunity for U23 Vietnam to win a ticket to play in the knockout round is not small. Remember, Vietnamese football often achieves favorable results against representatives of the 3 football backgrounds mentioned above, especially against opponents from the West Asian region such as U23 UAE and U23 Jordan.

It can be said that, except for the mysterious case of U23 North Korea, the remaining two teams, U23 Jordan and U23 UAE, are not highly rated in terms of defensive ability. The back line of these two teams often has defenders with large bodies, but are weak in the ability to maneuver and read the game. This is a favorable opportunity for Quang Hai and his teammates to bring goals to U23 Vietnam.

Quang Hai is the hero of U23 Vietnam at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship. Photo: soha.vn

At the tournament held in Changzhou (China) in early 2018, Quang Hai was the second player in the list of top scorers. With 5 goals, the striker born in 1997 was only 1 goal behind striker Almoez Ali, the leader. Quang Hai's "rainbow snow" goal was even chosen as the symbol of the AFC U23 Championship.

Entering this year's tournament, the player currently playing for Hanoi FC continues to be expected to shine as brightly as in the tournament 2 years ago. Objectively speaking, that is completely reasonable. Although he is no longer a "mysterious factor", in return, Quang Hai has matured a lot after a period of continuous playing for Hanoi FC, Vietnam Olympic, Vietnam U22 and Vietnam National Team. Experience is also a "dangerous weapon" of the midfielder wearing the number 19 shirt.

Last season, Quang Hai contributed 8 goals and 9 assists to the 2019 V.League championship of the Hang Day team. Thanks to his performances for Hanoi FC, Hai "son" surpassed other strong candidates such as Nguyen Van Quyet, Nguyen Van Toan... to win the title of Best Player of V.League 2019. It is not an exaggeration to say that Quang Hai is experiencing the most beautiful days in his "football and jersey" career.

Quang Hai received the title of Best Player of V.League 2019. Photo: thanhnien.vn

At present, Quang Hai has completely recovered from his injury. The break of more than a month has helped the 23-year-old midfielder have the most vigorous physical foundation. It is known that since the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, Quang Hai has rarely had such a long period of time without playing. Therefore, it will not be surprising if Hai "son" plays explosively at the tournament held in Thailand, with his trademark goals.

The title of top scorer at the 2020 AFC U23 Championship is not too far-fetched a goal for the Hanoi player. As long as he plays to his full potential, Quang Hai will be the "nemesis" of every defense./.