Vietnam U21 lost to Thailand U21 at the 2016 Nations Cup.

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan's team suffered a 0-2 defeat in a friendly tournament in Malaysia.

Thailand U21 deserved their victory.

The tournament features four teams, with an age limit of 21, divided into two pairs. While Vietnam U21 will face Thailand, Malaysia U21 will clash with Singapore U21. The winner of each pair will advance to the final, while the loser will compete for third place.

The Vietnam U21 team is essentially made up of U19 players preparing for the U19 Asian Championship finals in October. Coach Hoang Anh Tuan's squad includes many young players discovered at the national U19 tournament. The rest consists of only a few prominent figures such as Quang Hai (Hanoi T&T), Thanh Hau (HAGL), and Duy Khanh (Binh Duong) who are currently playing in the V-League.

The Vietnam U21 team was inferior to their opponents in every aspect.

The lack of experience and ability put the Vietnam U21 team on the defensive. In the 6th minute, stemming from a loss of possession by Coach Hoang Anh Tuan's players, Chaiyawat Buran bravely penetrated the penalty area and passed the ball across to Nattawut Sombatyotha, who tapped it into the empty net.

Despite conceding an early goal, the Vietnamese U21 players didn't fall apart. They reorganized their formation and played cautiously in their own half. That's why the Thai U21 team, despite having more possession and launching frequent attacks, couldn't score another goal in the first half.

After the break, the Vietnamese U21 team's performance did not improve, allowing the opponent to continue controlling the game. Finally, in the 72nd minute, the Thai U21 team scored their second goal when Pravee Tantataemee rose high to head in a free kick from his teammate.

Besides their superior playing style, Coach Worrawoot Srimaka's players also showed considerable aggression in this match. There were many even violent tackles, causing the Vietnamese U21 players to hesitate. Do Sy Huy and Quang Hai were repeatedly hit by opponents' tackles.

With this loss, the Vietnam U21 team will play the third-place match against the loser of the Malaysia U21 - Singapore U21 match on June 5th.

This isn't Thailand's strongest U21 team, but they still look very strong.

Starting lineup

Vietnam U21:Goalkeeper Sy Huy, Viet Anh, Tan Sinh, Tan Tai, Van Hao, Trong Dai, Tong Anh Ty, Duy Khanh, Thanh Hau, Quang Hai, Tien Linh.

Thailand U21:Goalkeepers Worawong, Singmui, Namvech, Leeaoh, Channgom, Limwattana, Sombatyotha, Veerachart, Siripala, Buran, Samphaodi.

According to VNE