Highlights of Vietnam's impressive victory over UAE

Tien Linh and Coach Park's trust

It is not Anh Duc's experience, nor Cong Phuong's explosion. Once again, coach Park Hang-seo chose and placed his trust in Tien Linh to lead the spearhead position of the Vietnamese national team's attack in the reception of UAE.

In the Becamex Binh Duong shirt, in the last 2 V.League seasons, the 22-year-old striker has been the main goal scorer. In the U22 team, Tien Linh has also continuously scored. However, in the Vietnam national team shirt, with the opportunities given, the performance of the striker from Hai Duong has not been able to satisfy fans.

Tien Linh excited with the super goal against UAE. Photo: Document

Red card and the turning point of the match

With their class and character, it is clear that UAE did not hide their intention to come to My Dinh to bring home 3 points. However, Coach Park’s Vietnam team also entered the match with the mindset of “knowing the enemy and knowing yourself”, proactively defending and waiting for counter-attack opportunities.

While both teams were still busy searching for rare opportunities to approach the opponent's goal, the UAE defense was surprised by Tien Linh's escape from Hung Dung's pass. Khalifa Al Hammadi hesitated and fouled striker number 22 from behind when facing the goal and received a red card.

Khalifa's red card turned the game around. Photo: File

The top position and the chance to continue are clear.

At the end of the first round of matches, the Vietnamese team had 3 wins and 1 draw, earning 10 points to surpass Thailand to take the top spot in the group. There are still 4 matches ahead, but with what has been shown in the last 4 matches, fans completely believe that Coach Park Hang-seo's team can finish the second qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup in Asia with the top spot in Group G.

Thailand lost to Malaysia, Vietnam took the top spot. Photo: AFC

Tuan Anh deserves a score of 10

After 2 matches being sidelined due to injury, Tuan Anh has recovered before the Vietnam national team enters 2 important matches against UAE and Thailand at home. Coach Park Hang-seo did not hesitate to name Tuan Anh to play alongside Hung Dung in the midfield.

The return of Tuan Anh makes the midfield softer and more creative. Photo: 24h

Currently, what fans and the coaching staff expect most from Tuan Anh is that every time he is substituted or finishes a match, he will leave the field with both legs intact.

A solid defense frame

Facing a strong attack line, the top of the continent, Ngoc Hai - Tien Dung - Duy Manh and Trong Hoang - Van Hau with their mobility and tight coverage together created a wall that made it difficult for UAE to launch a preemptive attack.

The support in the defense helps the front line feel more secure to deploy the attack. Photo: Document

With a solid foundation from the players in his defensive system, Coach Park Hang-seo has more time to plan and experiment to gradually perfect the attack line which is not really stable.