'U20 Honduras is slightly better than U20 Vietnam, but not a cause for concern.'

(Baonghean.vn) – Former "little boy" of the Vietnamese national team, former star player Van Sy Hung, from the golden generation of Vietnamese football, hopes and believes that the Vietnam U20 team will create a miracle at the U20 World Cup after the match against Honduras U20.

In terms of squad strength, the 21-player Honduran squad for this year's U20 World Cup includes 18 players currently playing in the domestic league and only 3 playing abroad, but not in the top leagues.

Former football star Van Sy Hung sends his best wishes for victory to the Vietnam U20 team - Photo: Trung Kien

In the opening match against a strong opponent like France U20, coach Carlos Tabora fielded a starting lineup including goalkeeper Delgado (1), four defenders: Maldonado (2), Decas (3), Andrade (5) and Garcia (16). Midfielders: Grant (9), Pineda (10), Cruz (14), Vuelto (18), Alvarez (20) and striker Martinez (20).

Despite playing with such a defensive formation, the Honduras U20 team still managed to control the ball for up to 44% of the 90 minutes, having 7 shots, 2 of which were on target. In contrast, the Vietnam U20 team only controlled the ball 33% and had 0 out of 3 shots on target against France.

Against U20 New Zealand, Honduras, with the goal of having to win, coach Carlos Tabora fielded only 3 defenders: Maldonado (2), Decas (3) and Garcia (16). One defensive midfielder and 5 midfielders, with only striker number 19 - Martinez. Therefore, U20 Honduras controlled the ball up to 65%, making 5/24 accurate shots.

The Honduras U20 team revealed quite a few weaknesses after two matches, especially against New Zealand U20, and coach Hoang Anh Tuan could exploit these issues - Photo: FIFA

However, impatience and fragility in the defense, as well as limitations in dealing with high balls, led the Central American representative to lose 1-3. The only goalscorer for U20 Honduras was Alvarez (20), who only took advantage of an opportunity arising from a mistake by the New Zealand defense.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese national team was not at all at a disadvantage against this opponent and even managed to secure a draw despite having the upper hand.

After two matches against opponents like U20 France and U20 New Zealand, Coach Hoang Anh Tuan was considered to have a slight advantage in terms of tactics and his ability to motivate his players.

The team we held to a draw in their opening match exploited a physically demanding and fast-paced style of play to lure the Honduras U20 team into counter-attacking traps. However, in contrast to the resilient defense of the Vietnam U20 team, Honduras appeared quite ineffective and struggled when the opponent employed a "pressing" style of play from midfield.

The Vietnam U20 team absolutely must win convincingly against Honduras U20 if they want to have any chance of advancing to the next round – Photo: FIFA

Honduras still has a significant advantage over Vietnam U20, namely their improvisational technique and robust physical fitness, characteristic of Central American players. However, these are strengths that Vietnam U20 can control if we prepare well for the upcoming match both psychologically and tactically.

Former football star and coach Van Sy Hung said: "I am very surprised by the spirit and physical fitness of the Vietnamese U20 players. If our physical fitness were weak, we would have lost a lot already. I am very happy and acknowledge that progress. In terms of professional performance, it is impossible to expect them to achieve better results because the World Cup is a very tough competition."

In the previous match, Honduras was so eager to win that they fell into New Zealand's defensive trap. In fact, Honduras is not a weak team. Compared to the Vietnam U20 team, I still think they are slightly better than us.

In football, having a slight advantage isn't a big deal. However, the most important thing is that in this context, neither we nor they have anything to lose. I think this will be a great match. I really hope the Vietnam U20 team will continue to make history for Southeast Asian football after the match against Honduras U20. And I wish Coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his team success!

Currently in Group E, France U20 has already secured qualification with 6 points. New Zealand is in second place with 4 points and a goal difference of +2; Vietnam is in third place with 1 point and a goal difference of -4; and Honduras is in last place with 0 points and a goal difference of -5. Therefore, the most realistic goal for Vietnam U20 is to aim for third place in Group E. This would give them a chance to advance if they are among the top 4 out of 6 third-placed teams in other groups.

Trung Kien