Vietnam U23 vs Uzbekistan U23: Will they settle the score?

Uzbekistan U23 continues to demonstrate its superior strength in Group D. After two matches, they have earned 6 points, scored 7 goals, and conceded none. With that goal difference, Uzbekistan U23 only needs a draw in the final round to secure first place in Group D. However, coach Timur Kapadze's team will certainly want more than just a draw.

In this match, the Uzbekistan U23 team will make some adjustments to conserve players' energy and test certain positions in the lineup. However, stars like Jaloliddinov, Erkinov, and Khoshimov will still be fielded from the start to try and settle the match early.

Fortunately for Vietnam U23, "Messi of Uzbekistan" Abbosbek Fayzullaev will be absent. The CSKA Moscow star can only play from the quarter-finals onwards, so this is a major setback for the team from Central Asia.

Nevertheless, based on their performances in the previous two matches, the Uzbekistan U23 team will still be very strong compared to Coach Hoang Anh Tuan's squad. Uzbekistan U23's ball-controlling and fluid passing style of play reminds many of top European clubs. Therefore, this will be a very difficult challenge for Vietnam U23 in this tournament.

To achieve a good result against the team from Central Asia, the U23 Vietnam defense must first be solid and provide excellent cover for each other. Quang Van Chuan and his teammates in the defense performed very well in the recent match against U23 Malaysia. The quick reflexes and timely positioning of the Hanoi FC goalkeeper provided a solid foundation for his teammates playing further up the field.

Supporting Quang Văn Chuẩn will still be the trio of central defenders Lê Nguyên Hoàng, Lương Duy Cương, and Nguyễn Mạnh Hưng. These are the best options for the U23 Vietnam defense at the moment. However, Mạnh Hưng will have to be very careful in tackles due to having received a yellow card in the previous match.

Playing on the two flanks will be the duo from The Cong Viettel. Defender Hong Phuc will take on the right flank, replacing the suspended Ho Van Cuong; while Khuat Van Khang will play on the opposite flank. Defensive duties will be the primary task for this pair. However, fans still hope for attacking contributions from Khuat Van Khang on the left flank.

Facing a very strong opponent, coach Hoang Anh Tuan will likely make changes in the attacking line. Thai Son, Minh Khoa, and Duc Viet will be the three central midfielders for Vietnam U23. Deploying more players in the midfield will help limit the strength of Uzbekistan's midfield, thus giving the home team a better game.

The attacking hopes for the Vietnam U23 team will be the duo of Nguyen Van Truong and Nguyen Quoc Viet. The Hanoi FC midfielder will continue to be a crucial link in our team's attacks. Nguyen Van Truong's excellent ball control and agility will help the Vietnam U23 team create space for his teammates to move forward.

Meanwhile, striker Nguyen Quoc Viet, with his excellent independent attacking ability, will help disrupt the Uzbekistan U23 defense. In a game where they are under pressure, the long-range shots of the "king of youth tournaments" will help Vietnam U23 relieve pressure and offer hope of defeating the team from Central Asia. Hopefully, after two matches out due to a viral fever, the LPBank Hoang Anh Gia Lai striker will be in top physical condition to perform excellently in the upcoming match.

In the past, the Vietnam U23 team has never won against the Uzbekistan U23 team. This includes a 2-1 defeat in the 2018 AFC U23 Championship final. Therefore, the Vietnam U23 team is eager to win to settle the score and secure first place in Group D.

Hopefully, coach Hoang Anh Tuan and his team will have an excellent game and some luck to overcome U23 Uzbekistan in the upcoming match.

The match between Vietnam U23 and Uzbekistan U23 will take place at 10:30 PM on April 23rd at Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar.