U23 Vietnam: Good defense, good attack?

Passing the group stage without conceding a goal is truly a rare record for football at the SEA Games in general, and for Vietnamese football in particular, as in the past, the Vietnam National Team (at a time when the U23 team had not yet been allowed to participate) passed the group stage without conceding a goal in 1999 and the Indonesia U23 team also achieved the same feat in 2005. Thus, this record existed for 17 years before being re-established by the achievements of Mr. Park Hang-seo and his team at the SEA Games.SEA Games 31-2022.

Through 4 group matches, the strengths and weaknesses of almost all teams were clearly revealed and the fact that U23 Vietnam did not let U23 Indonesia "get in the way" was a positive result, reflecting the true strength of the two teams. Remember, at the AFF Cup 2021, the Vietnam team could not overcome Mr. Shin Tae-yong's team, which consisted mostly of U23 Indonesia players, and then lost in the semi-finals and lost the regional throne, which was extremely regrettable.

U23 Vietnam faced many difficulties against U23 Timor Leste. Photo courtesy of Bao Long

This time, Mr. Park Hang-seo not only paid that debt, but also responded fairly and evenly, pushing his opponent to second place in the table even though this was still a formidable opponent. It is very possible that these two fated opponents will have the opportunity to meet again in the... final, if everything goes according to the feelings of many experts and fans, including the burning desire of Mr. Shin Tae-yong himself after the defeat in the opening match of the group stage.

The achievement of not conceding a goal after 4 matches is worth mentioning, but absolutely do not let that result make you careless or lose your vigilance. Goalkeeper Van Toan is the one who guards the goal in all 4 matches, but in reality, even with the biggest opponent, U23 Indonesia, he did not have many opportunities to show his talent. Meanwhile, the lack of neatness and confidence in corner kicks and high balls, which appeared from the time he was the main goalkeeper in the 3rd qualifying round of the World Cup, still lingers. Van Toan is also not the type of goalkeeper who handles the ball well with his feet, so this is actually a very worrying thing if the home team is attacked heavily like U23 Thailand once showed?

Coach Park Hang-seo lets U23 Vietnam practice behind closed doors, avoiding all prying eyes. Photo: VFF

In the familiar trio of central defenders ofU23 Vietnam, perhaps only Thanh Binh and Viet Anh can create peace of mind, the remaining 3rd person is still hesitant between Tuan Tai, Trong Long and surprisingly Quang Nho. In fact, in the last 4 matches, they have not encountered a very strong test, but have also left the opponent open a couple of times, such as the situation in the match against U23 Myanmar for example.

The U23 Vietnam midfield is mobile, versatile, both good at tracking and quickly changing state, which is a notable plus point, contributing positively to defending from a distance, helping the 3 central defenders and goalkeeper to always be safe, free and... unemployed for most of the past matches. Good counter-attack situations, especially in the opening match against U23 Indonesia, had a positive role of Hoang Anh, but it is easy to see that when this player exerts all his capacity and speed, the ability to play the whole match is impossible.

Also after 4 matches, U23 Vietnam scored 6 goals, which is not an impressive number. The fact that the attack was deadlocked in the match with U23 Philippines, only scored 1 goal in the match with U23 Myanmar and also only scored 2 goals in the last match against the weakest team in the group, U23 Timor Leste... first of all, the "dullness" of the strikers, their ability to finish and take advantage of opportunities is having some problems. But we cannot fail to mention the role of those responsible for supporting the attack, the killer passes, the coordination of attacks on the flanks or in the middle...

Hung Dung scored an excellent goal that brought a victory more precious than gold for U23 Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Hai Hoang

It must be admitted that, up to now, U23 Vietnam has not had any player capable of creating breakthroughs, nor is anyone capable of handling favorable free kick situations best, nor is anyone capable of passing the ball as uniquely as Quang Hai... so there is nothing surprising with the results achieved on the attacking front. That is 4 consecutive matches against big and small opponents, U23 Vietnam was always deadlocked in the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second half. It was only after Mr. Park Hang-seo's handling of the force, when the opponent began to lose strength and become disordered, that U23 Vietnam could move the ball as desired and score a goal.

Some people say that Mr. Park Hang-seo has run out of cards, and some people think that he is hiding his cards. Everything will be answered in the semi-final match, against U23 Thailand or U23 Malaysia? Regardless of their ability, U23 Vietnam has no room to experiment or deceive their opponents in the semi-final match, but must use surprise, brain-teasing attacks to defeat their opponents. It is very difficult but not impossible, if U23 Vietnam surpasses itself, plays with light feet, a clear head and sublimation, just like the first match, like the opening victory over U23 Indonesia...

Phu Chau