U22 Vietnam shares points with U22 Thailand, accepting second place in Group B

Dinh Xuan Tien was in the starting lineup of U22 Vietnam for the first time. Photo: Hai Hoang

The match between U22 Vietnam and U22 Thailand in the final round of Group B no longer has much meaning. Because before that, both teams had secured tickets to the next round. In this confrontation, the coaches of the two teams will have calculations to create a peak performance for their players, but also want to keep them and avoid penalty cards. This is clearly shown when both U22 Vietnam and U22 Thailand put many reserve players on the field.

Notably, Dinh Xuan Tien, who is playing for Song Lam Nghe An, was in the starting lineup for the first time. In addition, fellow countryman Ho Van Cuong continued to be trusted to control the right wing.

It was expected that both teams would play cautiously and not put too much effort into this match. However, contrary to expectations, the technical quality of the match was still quite convincingly shown by both teams.

Thailand, with their experience, accelerated quickly to take the lead from the start. This soon brought the lead to coach Issara Sritaro's team. Thailand's goal came in the 3rd minute, Luong Duy Cuong's slip gave Achitpol a chance to face goalkeeper Huy Hoang. This player escaped and fired a tricky shot into the U22 Vietnam net.

Ho Van Cuong continues to have an impressive match at SEA Games 32. Photo: Hai Hoang

After conceding the goal, U22 Vietnam boldly organized quite sharp attacks, creating many situations to penetrate the opponent's penalty area with high damage. However, Khuat Van Khang and his teammates could not convert the opportunities into goals. Besides, the final moves of U22 Vietnam still lacked the necessary precision. Therefore, at the end of the first 45 minutes, U22 Thailand temporarily led U22 Vietnam with a score of 1-0.

In the second half, coach Troussier decided to refresh the squad and change the playing style. Xuan Tien was let go, replaced by Nhat Nam. The Golden Star team no longer deployed the ball purely on the two wings. Instead, U22 Vietnam organized more flexible attacks, causing a lot of confusion for the U22 Thailand defense.

Nhat Nam's joy after scoring the equalizer in the beginning of the second half. Photo: Hai Hoang

It was this way of playing that brought the equalizer to the yellow star army. In the 54th minute, Luong Duy Cuong tried to win the ball from the feet of the Thai U22 player. This defender made an accurate cross for Nhat Nam to finish and bring the match back to the starting line.

Although U22 Thailand later added more key players. However, the team from the golden pagoda country still could not improve the game. U22 Vietnam played pressing right on the opponent's field and made many smooth combinations. However, Van Truong and Van Khang both lacked a bit of luck to be able to convert opportunities into goals.

In the middle of the second half, coach Troussier decided to use more starting players to improve the strength of the attack. U22 Vietnam completely took the initiative. But unfortunately, the strikers of the yellow star army could not score another goal.

In the end, U22 Vietnam tied U22 Thailand with a score of 1-1. With this result, both U22 Vietnam and U22 Thailand have 10 points, but U22 Thailand is still ranked higher due to better goal difference. U22 Vietnam ranked second in Group B and will meet U22 Indonesia in the semi-finals. This match will take place on May 13.