Vietnam U23 vs Thailand U23: Keeping their cards close for the semi-final.

Having both secured their places in the semi-finals after four consecutive wins, today's match between the two teams will only determine the top spot in Group B.

* Starting at 7:30 PM on June 10th, Hanoi time, live on VTV6.

Both teams have 12 points, but Vietnam U23 is ahead of Thailand U23 due to a better goal difference.

The current situation is very suitable for Miura's tactical approach. In the four matches played so far, he has used four different lineups. Predicting the optimal lineup for the current Vietnam U23 team is impossible, as every player has a chance to start (Coach Miura has used a total of 19 out of the 20 players at his disposal). The team's playing style also constantly changes, from short passes and attacking through the center to sticking to wing play and crosses for headers. It's not an exaggeration to say that the Vietnam U23 team is like a chameleon, always ready to change its form to adapt to the circumstances.

Key players like Cong Phuong and Mac Hong Quan often have to give up their starting spots to other teammates. The only player who has played every minute in the four matches so far is goalkeeper Phi Minh Long (however, he will be absent tonight due to a minor injury sustained in training). This is also a first step towards success, as the young players of the Vietnam U23 team have abundant physical fitness and the best possible mental state for the upcoming semi-finals.

What countermeasures should we take against the Thais?

Given the events that have unfolded, it wouldn't be surprising if Coach Miura continues to surprise both fans and opponents. Having already secured a place in the semi-finals, and with defender Minh Tùng returning from injury, the Japanese strategist will likely continue to adapt his tactical approach.

With only one point needed in the final match to secure first place in the group, the 1963-born coach would be unwise to field his strongest lineup. His recent statements about his determination to win first place are likely just a smokescreen, because he understands better than anyone that once they've reached the semi-finals, a victory against Thailand or first place in the group is no longer the most important thing. Furthermore, the fact that Group A finished a day later means that the teams in Group B cannot choose their opponents in the next round.

Coach Miura wants his team to reach the semi-finals as group winners, and is also very confident in their ability to secure a place in the final. Photo: Duc Dong.

Coach Miura's core objective is to preserve his squad and avoid revealing his tactics. Currently, seven players have received yellow cards, and one more will see them miss the semi-final. These include: Cong Phuong, Hong Quan, Manh Hung, Huu Dung, Ngoc Thang, Huy Toan, and Thanh Binh. Furthermore, among the 19 players who have played (out of the 20 registered players), five have played the most minutes: Phi Son, Minh Long, Ngoc Thinh, Tien Dung, Duc Huy, and Ngoc Hai (over 270 minutes out of a total of 360 minutes).

"Both teams have already qualified for the semi-finals, so this match is just a formality. U23 Vietnam will not go all-out against U23 Thailand," said Duong Vu Lam, head of the Vietnamese football delegation at the 28th SEA Games.

According to VNE