U22 Vietnam: Fall where you stand up!

Normally, “the results say it all”, when U22 Vietnam could not defend the Gold Medal (and it is not certain whether they will win the Bronze Medal or not), any statements and explanations are meaningless. But from a “long-term” perspective with a new coach and a new playing philosophy, should we not be too harsh on the young players and look at things more calmly and systematically?

Dinh Xuan Tien left his mark when he put pressure on the opposing central defender, contributing to the equalizer 2-2 for U22 Vietnam. Photo: Hai Hoang

Vietnam U22's opponent in the semi-final match is Indonesia U22, with a strong force, evaluated as high quality, with a transfer market value of the number 1 in the region, many of whom are national team players, and have 1 more day off... which is a huge advantage compared to Mr. Troussier and his team. The opponent had the upper hand from the start and continuously scored 2 goals, both from a throw-in-header scenario or taking advantage of the opponent's clearance to shoot from a distance to score. U22 knew that and this tactic was from the previous SEA Games, but could not be resolved.

The quality of the defense from the poor physique, no real leader, weak connection, plus the ability to block, support from the defensive midfielders, even the strikers have good physique, good ability to stick, not to mention the clumsy goalkeeper position... is the real quality of this generation of players or is due to the choice of the coaching staff is something that needs to be clarified after the tournament.

Right from the match against U22 Laos or U22 Singapore, the U22 Vietnam defense has made fans' hearts skip a beat many times because it left gaps for the opponent to exploit. U22 Vietnam may be lucky, can keep a clean sheet when the opponent cannot take advantage of the opportunity, but against U22 Thailand and U22 Indonesia, it is completely different. Van Chuan had to pick the ball out of the net 4 times and the faults were all due to individuals and a weak defense system.

In the match against U22 Thailand, the early goal was due to Van Truong's bad pass, the opponent broke up but Duy Cuong slipped just like his senior Hong Duy and the opponent of course did not let go of such an easy opportunity. In the match against U22 Indonesia, in addition to the 2 goals lost from throw-ins as mentioned above, the second goal was due to Cong Den's bad pass, then the whole defense system pushed up, was surprised, and clumsily conceded the most painful goal in the history of SEA Games competition!

Against a strong opponent, all the weaknesses and shortcomings of U22 Vietnam were clearly exposed and thoroughly exploited. The problem is that Mr. Troussier and his students knew but were powerless. At this point, we realize even more what the consequences of not regularly competing, rubbing shoulders, and lacking practical experience at home and abroad will be? Moreover, it cannot be said that, even if we play a lot in the V-League or the First Division, we are not sure that we will play well at the SEA Games. What Van Cuong, Ngoc Thang, Duy Cuong, Xuan Tien, Van Do showed (or were eliminated like Vy Hao) shows that. Is it true that U22 Vietnam currently does not have a star, a real leading factor, and has had to mobilize a series of factors from U20, so the expectation of maturity and class is too much?

But then again, this U22 generation also has real hopeful factors for a future ahead of Vietnamese football. Van Tung did not play regularly in the V-League, was injured before the tournament, but had a superb performance thanks to his excellent goal-scoring ability. Thai Son will have a secure future thanks to his excellent physical condition, if trained further, he will be a dream central midfielder of many teams. Minh Trong or Van Cuong, Van Khang or Van Truong also have the potential to explode and shine in the near future if invested in the right direction...

What is necessary after a defeat and a failed tournament is not to "give up halfway" but to be steadfast in the path that has been, is and will be taken. That is to be patient and loyal to Mr. Troussier's new way of doing things with U22 as well as the Vietnam National Team. Learn thoroughly the successful and unsuccessful ways of doing things under Mr. Park Hang-seo and all the necessary experiences from the region and the continent to supplement your journey. The tears of Tuan Tai and his teammates after the humiliating defeat against U22 Indonesia, the calmness of Mr. Troussier will hopefully not only give U22 Vietnam but also the entire football scene a new, stronger, more synchronous and explosive determination. That it is just a normal accident in football and everyone will quickly stand up and do it again as best as possible. That U22 Vietnam should stand up again wherever they fall after the necessary painful lessons for the long journey.