U22 Vietnam dispels doubts with victory over Singapore

• Midfielder Thai Son's joy after scoring against U22 Singapore. Photo: Hai Hoang

At the 32nd SEA Games, domestic fans seem to be worried about the strength of U22 Vietnam. Because despite winning against U22 Laos, coach Troussier's team has revealed too many limitations. And now, entering the second match against U22 Singapore is an opportunity for the Golden Star team to dispel the doubts of home fans.

However, Singapore is a particularly tough opponent for Vietnam at the SEA Games. In the last 5 times the two teams met in the regional arena, Vietnam lost 3 times and only won 2. The historical voice and the unconvincing performance of Troussier and his team have further raised concerns for Vietnamese audiences.

Van Tung's opening goal of the match. Photo: Hai Hoang

Also in this match, fans expect positive changes in terms of personnel in the midfield. However, technical strikers such as Xuan Tien, Van Truong, and Van Khang were not in the starting lineup. In addition, defender Ho Van Cuong, one of the rare bright spots in the match against Laos, was also not on the field.

However, U22 Singapore with low-quality personnel easily let U22 Vietnam completely dominate the game. In the first minutes of the match, U22 Vietnam proactively attacked in the middle, with the formation pushed up quite high and did not hesitate to press right on the opponent's field. That way of playing opened up a scoring opportunity for U22 Vietnam in the 6th minute. After a series of coordination in the middle, the ball came to Duc Phu's feet. This midfielder launched a beautiful curling shot, goalkeeper Yazid could not catch the ball, but the Singapore defender was able to cover and clear the ball in front of the empty goal.

To limit the strength of U22 Vietnam, coach Philippe Aw's team used a multi-layered defense and did not hesitate to commit fouls when necessary. That caused many difficulties for U22 Vietnam's ability to penetrate the penalty area. Unable to penetrate with low-level rotations, coach Troussier's students used many high balls. However, with superior height, the Singapore players easily neutralized the attack.

Although they did not attack much, coach Philippe Aw's team still had a few dangerous situations for Quan Van Chuan's goal. Singapore's chance came in the 19th minute, when Rahmat entered the penalty area and hooked the ball but fortunately it went right into the position that goalkeeper Van Chuan had chosen.

While the audience was feeling worried about the way coach Troussier's players played, U22 Vietnam had the answer with the opening goal in the 38th minute. From the counter-attack of the Golden Star team, the ball was passed to Le Van Do. The midfielder of the Hanoi Police dribbled the ball skillfully, before making a reasonable pass for Van Tung to make a shot towards the near corner, scoring against U22 Singapore.

After the goal that broke the deadlock, U22 Vietnam seemed to have released the pressure, so the attacks of coach Troussier's students became more fluid. And U22 Vietnam's goal to double the gap in the 43rd minute was inevitable.

Taking advantage of the chaotic situation in front of the U22 Singapore penalty area, the ball found Thai Son. This midfielder placed the ball in the air and it hit the opponent's defender's foot, changed direction and hit the opponent's net.

Entering the second half, after a few situations of Singapore's rise, U22 Vietnam began to bring the match back on track. Coach Troussier's students completely dominated the game and organized many highly unpredictable attacks.

Van Cuong's entry into the field brought more intense attack power to U22 Vietnam on the right wing. Photo: Hai Hoang

After many missed opportunities by Quoc Viet, Van Truong, Van Khang, in the 80th minute, U22 Vietnam finally scored a goal to raise the score to 3-0. From a dangerous cross by Van Khang, defender Ilhan clumsily scored an own goal.

It was thought that the match would end with a 3-goal difference for U22 Vietnam, but suddenly in the extra minute, center back Tien Long carelessly cleared the ball, sending it straight into his own net, helping U22 Singapore score an honorable equalizer.

Winning 3-1, U22 Vietnam temporarily leads Group B with 6 points after 2 wins.

After this match, U22 Vietnam will have a 5-day break before entering the 4th match against U22 Malaysia on May 8./.