Playing in a deadlock, U23 Vietnam was unexpectedly held to a draw by U23 Philippines
(Baonghean.vn) - Although rated much higher than U23 Philippines, coach Park Hang-seo and his team were unable to win all 3 points in the second match of Group A of men's football at the 31st SEA Games.
Entering this match, the starting lineup of U23 Vietnam had 3 changes compared to the 3-0 victory over U23 Indonesia, when Vu Tien Long, Huynh Cong Den and Nham Manh Dung were put on the field by coach Park Hang-seo from the start. Besides the personnel changes, there were also tactical changes, specifically the positions on the field.
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| U23 Vietnam's lineup. Photo: Hai Hoang |
Phan Tuan Tai took over the left-back position left by Le Van Xuan, leaving the left-center-back position to Vu Tien Long. Meanwhile, in the central midfield position, Huynh Cong Den replaced Ly Cong Hoang Anh and in the forward position, Nham Manh Dung replaced Nguyen Van Tung to play alongside the main striker Nguyen Tien Linh.
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| The U23 strikers failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Photo: Hai Hoang |
On the other side of the front line, U23 Philippines has a notable change when it is missing veteran player Stephan Schrock, a German-born star who plays for Ceres Negros Club, currently known as United City Club, the top team in the Philippines. This is a rather surprising decision by coach Norman Fegidero.
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| Praise must be given to the U23 Philippines players for their excellent defense. Photo: Hai Hoang |
As predicted by experts, right after the referee's opening whistle, Coach Park Hang-seo's students flooded into the U23 Philippines' field, with methodical attacks. Unfortunately, Huynh Cong Den, Nham Manh Dung, Le Van Do and Nguyen Hoang Duc were not able to successfully take advantage of their opportunities.
The first half ended with a score of 0 - 0, leaving coach Park Hang-seo and his team and home fans disappointed. However, praise must also be given to the U23 Philippines players for their excellent defense. There were even many times when the away team created dangerous situations towards goalkeeper Nguyen Van Toan's goal.
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| In the second half, Coach Park Hang-seo's students still could not convert their advantages into goals. Photo: Hai Hoang |
After a 15-minute break, Coach Park Hang-seo made a substitution to find a goal. Le Van Xuan and Ly Cong Hoang Anh were brought onto the field to replace Phan Tuan Tai and Huynh Cong Den, two players who had not played effectively in the first 45 minutes. A "last resort" decision by Coach Park, because Le Van Xuan and Ly Cong Hoang Anh did not have the best physical condition.
With the appearance of Le Van Xuan and Ly Cong Hoang Anh, U23 Vietnam continued to dominate the game. Just like the first half, Coach Park Hang-seo's students still could not convert their advantages into goals. On the other hand, U23 Philippines players used all means to preserve the 0-0 score, even lying on the field to waste time. And they achieved their goal.
Overall, Do Hung Dung and his teammates had a disappointing performance against U23 Philippines, especially in the attack. If they want to successfully defend the Gold Medal of the SEA Games men's football, coach Park Hang-seo and his team must quickly promote their inherent abilities. It seems that the Korean strategist still has a lot of work to do.
Thus, after 2 matches, U23 Vietnam is still temporarily in 2nd place in Group A, with 4 points in hand, behind U23 Philippines in terms of additional index. In the next match, taking place on May 13, Coach Park Hang-seo and his team will meet U23 Myanmar.
Line-up:
U23 Vietnam: Van Toan, Viet Anh, Thanh Binh, Tien Long, Van Do, Hung Dung (Hai Long 76'), Hoang Duc, Cong Den (Hoang Anh 46'), Tuan Tai (Van Xuan 46'), Tien Linh, Manh Dung (Van Tung 62')
U23 Philippines: Kammeraad, Jayvee Kallukaran (Jacob 64'), Scott Woods (Gallantes 76'), Enrique Linares, Oskari Kekkonen, Dennis Chung, Jovin Bedic, Oli Bias, Miguel Mendoza, Jaime Rosquillo, Christian Rontini.
