U23 Vietnam lineup to play Japan: Cong Phuong is starting, don't dream of taking a penalty!

With coach Park Hang Seo keeping many key players on the sidelines to save their strength for the round of 16, Cong Phuong and many other reserve players were put on the field from the start in the match against U23 Japan, in the final round of Group D of the 2018 Asian Games men's football.

Coach Park Hang Seo affirmed that he always respects all opponents, however the Korean strategist must also have long-term calculations.

With a team with many changes, Mr. Park still believes in the strength of U23 Vietnam.enough to play a fair match with the team from the land of the rising sun.

Winning is a must-do task, but staying strong and avoiding injuries for the round of 16 is also very important for U23 Vietnam at this time. That also means, Coach Park Hang Seo's team still has quality names to ensure strength, and on the other hand, to prepare for the knockout round match.

With what he has practiced before the match against U23 Japan, Coach Park Hang Seo is likely to still use goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung. The defense is the place with the least changes after the last 2 matches, so Duy Manh, Tien Dung and Xuan Manh are highly appreciated.

In midfield, Minh Vuong and Van Toan were put on the field, in the middle were Xuan Truong and Duc Huy. In the forward line, coach Park Hang Seo used Cong Phuong, Phan Van Duc and Duc Chinh. U23 Vietnam still played with a 3-4-3 formation, even though they faced the strongest opponent in group D.

Thus, many reserve players are trusted by Coach Park Hang Seo. This is a great opportunity for Cong Phuong, Xuan Truong, Van Toan to score points, ready for the round of 16.

For Cong Phuong, this match helped him regain his excitement and confidence after being warned by the coaching staff in the match against Nepal. That was the match in which Cong Phuong came on from the bench and he did not play with real determination, afraid to compete in 50-50 situations.

In case U23 Vietnam and U23 Japan draw, the two teams will have to settle the score on 11m to determine the group winner. If that scenario happens, Cong Phuong will have little chance to take a penalty shootout, because coach Park Hang Seo himself has limited the Nghe An-born striker to take penalties after missing two penalties in the match against Pakistan.