Vietnam U19 attends U19 Asian Cup finals with perfect record

Striker Ha Duc Chinh scored to help U19 Vietnam defeat host U19 Myanmar with a score of 1-0, winning a ticket to Bahrain at the top of the group.

The only goal of the match was scored by Ha Duc Chinh in the 20th minute. The U19 Vietnam striker quickly escaped down the right wing and finished neatly after Duy Khanh's assist.

U19 Vietnam (white shirt) completed the goal of winning a ticket to the U19 Asian Cup Finals.

U19 Vietnam could have won by a bigger margin if they had taken advantage of their opportunities. Most notably was the penalty kick in the second half when Trong Dai hit the crossbar from 11 meters away. Duc Chinh then had a series of one-on-one opportunities but could not double the lead.

However, one goal was enough for U19 Vietnam to take the top spot in Group G - U19 Asian Qualifiers. Coach Hoang Anh Tuan's team won all four matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding only two.

Not receiving as much attention and fanfare as last year's U19 team, coach Hoang Anh Tuan's team has successfully completed its goals this year. Before winning a ticket to the U19 Asian tournament, the team also reached the final of the U19 Southeast Asia in Laos in August after only a few weeks of training. Compared to the way they played in the tournament in Laos, U19 Vietnam showed clear progress in their play in the match against U19 Myanmar.

The U19 Vietnam midfield held the ball well, creating unique passes while the forwards moved flexibly, although their ability to finish at high speed needed improvement. The defense also deserved praise for playing safely, not making mistakes that would endanger goalkeeper Thanh Tuan, even though there were times when U19 Myanmar continuously pressed the field.

Entering the match on the evening of October 6, U19 Vietnam had a two-point advantage over U19 Myanmar and only needed a draw to take the top spot. However, U19 Myanmar, with home field advantage, was determined to win in hopes of changing the position.

Having to play under pressure from Myanmar fans, U19 Vietnam stunned the home team with their fast play right from the start. The short passes and smart movement of the U19 Vietnam strikers continuously put the Myanmar goal in an alarming position.

Duc Chinh had a good chance to open the score but his shot was too weak and went right to the home goalkeeper. After that, U19 Vietnam shook the net of U19 Myanmar but the referee determined that the player in white headed the ball in an offside position. There was no need to regret for too long, U19 Vietnam opened the score just a few minutes later in an attack that hit the opponent's defense.

The advantage of leading and the situation on the scoreboard helped coach Hoang Anh Tuan switch to defensive counter-attacking play. Thanks to that, U19 Myanmar had more time to hold the ball, but could not convert it into real opportunities. While the home team was struggling, U19 Vietnam almost doubled the score in the second half if Trong Dai had accurately executed the penalty.

Forced to attack in search of a goal, U19 Myanmar exposed gaps behind and U19 Vietnam quickly took advantage of them with long balls for Duc Chinh to catch up with. Unfortunately, the striker wearing the number 5 shirt was not successful in taking advantage of the situation despite facing the home team's goalkeeper several times.

Starting lineup

U19 Myanmar: Thitsar Min, Yint Yung, Rein Soe, Min Thu, Moe Tun, Ya Thu, Phyo Aung, Sis Min, Zin Phyo, Kyant Lwin, Shwe Ko.

U19 Vietnam: Thanh Tuan, Tan Tai, Trong Dai, Du Dat, Van Hao, Tong Anh Ty, Thanh Hau, Quang Hai, Duy Khanh, Duc Chinh, Tien Linh.

Goal: Duc Chinh (20').

Group G U19 Asian Qualifiers