Vietnam U23: A historic opportunity for Vietnamese football.
(Baonghean.vn) - In theory, the team that just convincingly defeated two title contenders, thrashed U23 Japan 4-0 in the quarterfinals, and beat U23 South Korea 4-1 in the semifinals is truly a strong team. To win the championship, we must fight our hardest against U23 Uzbekistan; there is no other way.
In recent years, Uzbekistan's youth football teams have consistently achieved international success. In 2011, the Uzbekistan U17 team reached the quarter-finals of the U17 World Cup. A year later, they won the U16 Asian Championship. In 2013, Uzbekistan reached the quarter-finals of the U20 World Cup and the round of 16 of the U17 World Cup.
In 2015, Uzbekistan once again reached the quarter-finals of the U20 World Cup. The current Uzbekistan U23 team is expected to win the U23 Asian Championship this time after defeating most of the strong teams and the defending champions, Japan U23.
Reuniting with an old friend.
Uzbekistan U23 was in Group A along with Qatar U23, Oman U23, and China U23. Coach Ravshan Khaydarov's team finished second in the group stage with 6 points. Uzbekistan U23 defeated China U23 and Oman U23 and only lost to Qatar U23 in the group stage.
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| Coach Park and his team are facing a historic opportunity for Vietnamese football. Photo: AFC |
Coach Ravshan Khaydarov's team caused a real shock in the quarterfinals, defeating the defending champions, Japan U23, 4-0. Surprise followed surprise, as Uzbekistan U23 eliminated another title contender, South Korea U23, after 120 minutes of play in the semi-final with a 4-1 victory.
Uzbekistan U23 usually plays with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their style revolving around midfielder Sidikov, who acts as the orchestrator leading the team's play. Their most notable attacking players include 20-year-old midfielder Jasurbek Yakhshiboev of Pakhtakor FC, who has excellent goal-scoring ability, and attacking midfielders Zabikhillo Urinboev and Javokhir Sidikov, who possess excellent positioning skills.
Coach Ravshan Khaydarov's playing style is very versatile. When attacking through the center, Sidikov will deliver highly effective through passes. When attacking down the flanks, Djasur Yakhshibaev and Dostonbek Khamdamov will use their speed to penetrate the penalty area and threaten the opposing defenders.
Uzbekistan players also had a long-range shot, with Azizjon Ganiev scoring against Kang Hyeon-Mu (South Korea U23) from 27 meters. Their good physical condition led them to opt for a high-pressure style of play. Japan U23 paid the price for underestimating this; their second goal conceded was due to a defender losing possession under pressure.
HeelAsin
That being said, it doesn't mean the Vietnam U23 team has no chance of winning against Uzbekistan U23. Vietnam U23 will still play defensively and threaten Uzbekistan U23's goal from set pieces and counter-attacks when opportunities arise.
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| Quang Hai is the biggest hope for the final match. Photo: AFC |
The trio of Quang Hai, Cong Phuong, and Van Duc will still be important players for the Vietnam U23 team in the upcoming match. Quang Hai is playing well in the false number 9 role and has already scored 4 goals, while Cong Phuong has been relieved of the burden of scoring goals by coach Park Hang Seo, allowing him to put pressure on opponents and move more freely.
With his abundant stamina, Van Duc is improving with each match. Along with Duc Huy, he is one of the two players who move the most on the field for the Vietnam U23 team. Both Van Duc and Quang Hai have the ability to shoot from long range and score goals from any position or angle.
Djasur Yakhshibaev and Dostonbek Khamdamov will also pose challenges for Xuan Manh and Van Thanh. Compared to the midfielders from Qatar and Iraq, these two players are faster, so the full-backs will need support from midfielders and center-backs. Not to mention, besides Hong Duy, Coach Park still has other players up his sleeve to surprise the opponent.
In addition, Coach Park Hang Seo's mental strength and ability to read the game are extremely important weapons that can help us achieve something against Uzbekistan U23.
At the 2018 AFC U23 Asian Championship, the Vietnam U23 team faced difficulties on several occasions, but the players under the South Korean coach remained calm and adjusted their tactics to secure victories.
If they continue to play with the same courageous spirit in the next match, the Vietnam U23 team will surely win against the Uzbekistan U23 team.
