Nguyen Tien Linh shines, U23 Vietnam enters the final

As expected by experts, both U23 Vietnam and U23 Malaysia fielded their strongest lineups. While the away team’s personnel did not change much compared to previous matches, the home team had a series of key players in the starting lineup, typically the trio Do Hung Dung, Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Tien Linh.

U23 Vietnam's starting lineup. Photo: Hai Hoang

Fans in the stadium enthusiastically cheer for their team. Photo: Hai Hoang

With the importance of the match, the two teams started the game quite slowly when the ball mainly rolled in the midfield area. In the first 20 minutes of the second semi-final, there were no notable situations created by the players of the two teams. This was predicted in advance, because attacking is not the forte of U23 Vietnam and U23 Malaysia.

The match was fierce from the first minutes. Photo: Hai Hoang

The tempo of the match continued to be maintained at a moderate level, although Coach Park Hang-seo's students tried to raise their formation, continuously pressing right on the opponent's field. However, the defensive play of the U23 Malaysia players, the attacks organized by Do Hung Dung and his teammates were broken quite easily.

Hoang Duc was constantly held back by a dense defense in the second line. Photo: Hai Hoang

It was not until the 27th minute that U23 Vietnam had a clear chance to score. From a smart pass from his junior Nham Manh Dung, Nguyen Tien Linh successfully broke the offside trap. Unfortunately, the striker wearing the number 9 shirt's shot sent the ball just wide of the U23 Malaysia goalpost. A move that showed the understanding of the striker pair Nham Manh Dung - Nguyen Tien Linh.

Just 3 minutes before the first half ended (minute 42), the striker currently playing for B.Binh Duong continued to make the spectators in the stadium hold their heads in disappointment. Receiving a cross from Le Van Do, in a very favorable position, Nguyen Tien Linh launched a one-touch shot with his right foot, but could not defeat the excellent goalkeeper Arzri Ab Ghani of the opposing team.

Praise must be given to the U23 Malaysia defense for their concentration and solidity. Photo: Hai Hoang.

At the end of the first half, the two teams left the field with a 0-0 draw. Objectively speaking, U23 Vietnam was the better team, with delicious opportunities passing through the shoes of Nguyen Tien Linh and Nguyen Hoang Duc. However, we also need to praise the defense of U23 Malaysia, for their concentration and solidity, especially goalkeeper Arzri Ab Ghani.

Entering the second half, U23 Vietnam was still the one dominating the game. Facing a densely deployed and resilient defense, the home team's attacks were limited to opportunities. It seems that the problem of efficiency in finishing has not been completely solved by Coach Park Hang-seo and his students.

Seeing the harmlessness of the strikers on the attack line, Mr. Park had to send Nguyen Van Tung, Phan Tuan Tai and Huynh Cong Den onto the field. But these 3 substitutions still did not bring the expected results. In fact, U23 Vietnam had to endure many quick counterattacks from the team led by Coach Brad Maloney.

Unable to penetrate the opponent's net, U23 Vietnam had to play an extra 30 minutes of extra time with U23 Malaysia. And similar to the official match time, Coach Park Hang-seo's team continued to dominate with a series of dangerous attacks. Nguyen Tien Linh, Bui Hoang Viet Anh and Huynh Cong Den were all unable to convert into goals.

Tien Linh scored an important goal that brought victory to U23 Vietnam. Photo: Hai Hoang

Tien Linh's celebration after scoring a goal is as precious as gold. Photo: Hai Hoang

Fans were enthusiastic after the referee ended the match. Photo: Hai Hoang

It was thought that the two teams would have to go hand in hand into a penalty shootout full of luck, but the U23 Malaysia goal was shaken in the 111th minute. From a free kick by Do Hung Dung, the ball found its way to Nguyen Tien Linh's chosen position. With the striker wearing the number 9 shirt jumping high and shaking his head skillfully, goalkeeper Arzri Ab Ghani could only go into the net to pick up the ball.

In the remaining minutes, no more goals were scored. In the end, U23 Vietnam defeated U23 Malaysia with a narrow score of 1 - 0, and thereby followed U23 Thailand to play in the final match, taking place at My Dinh Stadium, at 7:00 p.m. on May 22.

Lineup of U23 Vietnam vs U23 Malaysia

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

U23 Malaysia: Arzri Ab Ghani; Azrin Afiq, Harith Haiqal, Azam Azmi, Syahir Bashah, Mukhairi Ajmal, Nik Akif Syahiran, Danial Asri, Mukhairi Ajmal, Luqman Hakim, Hadi Fayyadh.