U23 Vietnam - U23 Myanmar: Holding hands to go to Uzbekistan
(Baonghean.vn) - With only a draw needed for both teams to secure tickets to Uzbekistan to participate in the 2022 AFC Cup, the match had basically cooled down before the ball rolled. But that did not stop Mr. Park from being determined to win against an opponent who was rated lower.
According to the regulations, in addition to host Uzbekistan, the 11 group winners will have direct tickets, in addition, AFC will take the 4 best second-place teams to participate.2022 AFC U23 Championship Finalsin June next year in Uzbekistan. Group G had only 2 teams and Australia won the top spot after 2 wins against Indonesia and secured the only ticket of the group.
Great opportunity for both
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U23 Vietnam has a great chance to continue. Photo: VFF |
Currently, 7/9 groups of the 2022 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers have been decided and the results of the second-placed teams have been determined, with U23 Thailand (Group J) and U23 Turkmenistan (Group F) sure to advance. The remaining two tickets are just the race in Groups B, I and C, in which U23 Vietnam and U23 Myanmar are temporarily holding the advantage over other opponents in terms of points and goal difference, so they only need to draw the last match to win the ticket to continue.
If we draw with Myanmar, we and our opponent will both advance but will have to play penalties to decide the group leader. Even according to our calculations, if we lose, U23 Vietnam still has a chance to advance if we lose by at least 1 goal and score 3 goals or more. (For example, losing 3-4).
But Mr. Park Hang-Seo really needs a victory to top Group I, creating favorable conditions when drawing lots for the 2022 AFC U23 Championship in Uzbekistan next June. Mr. Park needs to let experts know his ability to handle difficult situations.
In fact, the Korean coach currently does not have many players capable of turning the game around because they do not play much at the club. It is likely that U23 Vietnam will have at least 3 changes, first is Nham Manh Dung will replace Lieu Quang Vinh in the left center-back position. The central midfielder pair Hoang Anh and Huu Thang in the match against U23 Chinese Taipei did not have enough pressure in attack and defense, so it will be difficult for them to have a chance to start. In fact, not only replacing one of the two names above, coach Park can also replace them with Hai Long and Van Cong, players who are considered much more dynamic.
Head coach of Myanmar U23 Velizar Popov reacted very strongly to the referee's decision in the previous match against Chinese Taipei U23, so he was banned from directing this match. Myanmar U23 players only have 2 days off, so in the situation where they only need a draw to win the group, they will definitely not rush to attack. Myanmar will not deploy 8 or 9 players in the home field like Chinese Taipei, but the defense will definitely be better organized.
In addition, based on the physical foundation, the speed of Myanmar players is considered better, so we cannot be subjective, and cannot lose the ball in situations where the team attacks. If the first 60 minutes are not decisive, the match will easily end in a 0-0 draw, the winner or loser will be determined on penalties, a scenario that is enough for both teams to advance to the final round next year.
Expectations
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| Midfielder Van Cong will be the stopper and counter-attacker of U23 Vietnam. Photo: Onsport |
Names like Viet Anh, Van Toan or Thanh Binh, who have been experienced in the recent 2022 World Cup qualifiers, are certainly still important players for Coach Park. Hanoi FC's new player Hai Long will be the player who controls the game, even though he has just returned to the field after an injury. The ability to hold the ball and break through the middle of the national team will cause significant disruption to the opponent's defense.
Meanwhile, Van Cong will be the stopper, preventing counter-attacks of U23 Vietnam. This is the position when playing for Hong Linh Ha Tinh, the player from Nam Dan (Nghe An) did a very good job of recovering the ball so that Hoang Anh could have free time to organize attacks. In 27 matches in V.League in the past 2 seasons, this central midfielder has shown that he is a cunning player, knowing how to attack and win the ball at the right time. This is the player who once locked down Cong Phuong, Van Toan and many other seniors in V.League.
The problem for Mr. Park and his team is not how to get tickets to the 2022 AFC U23 Championship finals, but how to get tickets, that is the important thing.
