Vietnam National Team's Defense: 'A Fortress Not Easily Breakable'

Before leaving for Saudi Arabia,Coach Park Hang-seohad to remove the names of central defender Bui Tien Dung and left-back Doan Van Hau, due to injury. As a last resort, the Korean strategist had to bring along two players who were slightly injured, Tran Dinh Trong and Nguyen Thanh Chung (muscle tear).

The defense of the Vietnam team (in red) has almost completely neutralized the attacking power of the Australian team. Photo courtesy of Hai Hoang

However, with such a defense, the Vietnamese team still showed its inherent solidity, despite the Saudi Arabian strikers organizing a series of continuous attacks. And it was not until Do Duy Manh was sent off by the referee, along with a penalty, that the Vietnamese team had to receive 3 consecutive goals.

Witnessing what Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates showed in the match against the Saudi Arabian team, especially in the first half, domestic fans could not help but be surprised and admire. If the main referee had not blown the penalty and sent off Do Duy Manh, coach Park Hang-seo and his team could have created an "earthquake".

The defeat against Saudi Arabia not only cost the Vietnamese team valuable points, but also left coach Park Hang-seo without the services of Doan Van Hau, Tran Dinh Trong (recurred injury) and Do Duy Manh (card penalty). Not to mention, the duo Bui Tien Dung - Nguyen Thanh Chung are also having health problems.

Therefore, before entering the competition with the Australian team, many domestic football fans had imagined a heavy defeat for Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates. Simply put, our team's defense was seriously damaged, while the opponent's attack was extremely sharp and effective.

Center back Nguyen Thanh Chung (left) is gaining the trust of coach Park Hang-seo (middle) after impressive performances. Photo courtesy of Hai Hoang

Contrary to popular belief, the Australian team's attacks were like "running into a wall". Under the command of central defender and captain Que Ngoc Hai, the Vietnamese team's defense successfully blocked the opponent's attacks. Unfortunately, the only shot on target by the Australian players was converted into a goal.

To achieve that result, we cannot fail to mention the role of Coach Park Hang-seo. Thanks to the Korean strategist's "cutting rice according to fish sauce" and "patching up the shoulder" skills, the defense of the Vietnam National Team is still a "fortress that is not easily breached". Once again, experts and football fans in the continent must "take off their hats" to the talent of Coach Park Hang-seo./.