U21 Vietnam & U21 HAGL: Know what is stone and what is gold

Captivating, engaging, dramatic and even eye-catching, these are the adjectives that viewers do not mean to skimp on when referring to the young players of HAGL, as well as U21 Thanh Nien Newspaper, after the semi-final match of the international U21 tournament - CLEAR Men Cup 2015.

The final victory belonged to U21 HAGL, after the fateful penalty shootout, and the audience left the stadium in joy.

The hard-fought victory of coach Nguyen Quoc Tuan and his team was partly encouraged by the mistakes in tactical adjustments of his colleague on the other side of the battle line, Mr. Pham Minh Duc. When the match had only passed 2/3 of the time and U21 Thanh Nien Newspaper was not only leading 2-1, but also creating a good game, Mr. Duc immediately replaced 3 positions who were playing very well. Those were Lam Ti Phong, Do Hung Dung and Nhu Tuan. Towards the end of the match, when Duy Manh was cramped and could hardly move on the field, U21 Thanh Nien Newspaper played as if they were handicapping.

Winning or losing in a knockout match like the semi-finals of a youth tournament is normal. But what was unusual was that many days before the match, Coach Pham Minh Duc hastily declared that he would not lose to U21 HAGL like last year, if they had the chance to meet again. Mr. Duc even affirmed that his team had no weaknesses. But perhaps the weakest point of U21 Thanh Nien Newspaper lies in the coaching staff, with unreasonable and unnecessary adjustments?!

U21 HAGL was excited and luckier in the direct confrontation with U21 Vietnam. Photo: Thanh Ha

The spectacular score chase was sparked by Cong Phuong's early goal: a perfect set-up and free kick. There is no denying the mistakes of the two teams' defenses, in all 3 goals (and losses) that followed, but on the other hand, it must be admitted that Lam Ti Phong, Xuan Manh and Cong Phuong (Phuong again) were too good, too precise. The difference was created by individuals who knew how to shine at the right time. In football, they are called stars.

All 15,000 spectators and fans stayed until the last minute, after the final penalty shootout, to cheer and reward the young players. U21 HAGL were the final winners, but perhaps no one was sad, because the biggest benefit belonged to football. Even the organizers, the Board of Directors of Thong Nhat Stadium..., of course also benefited.

We have talented and dedicated young people. The future belongs to the young people, so let's stand by and cheer them on. Congratulations to Cong Phuong and his teammates, congratulations to "Mr. Duc's children"!

According to TT&VH