U23 Vietnam - U23 Thailand: Win to affirm position

Vietnam and Thailand have been two big rivals in Southeast Asia for over two decades. At all levels, the two countries' football teams are in a fierce competition to assert their dominance in regional football.

Lost conductor Supachok?

Over the past year, while Thai football has stagnated, Vietnam has surprised the world with resounding successes: Runner-up of the 2018 U23 Asian Cup, reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 ASIAD, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2019 Asian Cup and especially winning the 2018 AFF Cup with a very young team of players, making people believe that the position of football in Southeast Asia has really changed hands.

U23 Thailand is at risk of losing its best midfielder before the match against Vietnam. Photo: Vietnamnet

However, it is a coincidence that on their successful journey over the past year, the Vietnamese national teams have not directly faced Thailand to determine who is better. Therefore, this clash, although at a disadvantage, can be said to be an opportunity for coach Park Hang-seo and his team to affirm their strength.

Although U23 Thailand only needs a draw to win the group, through training sessions, coach Alexandre Gama still aims for victory. It seems that U23 Thailand has found the optimal lineup, except for conductor Supachok, who is unlikely to be in the starting lineup due to injury. Although only 1m69 tall and small, Supachok is very fast and skillful in controlling the rhythm of the match, so if Supachok cannot play, U23 Vietnam will have less of a big worry.

The striker duo Tasa and Supachai are playing impressively thanks to their ability to run well, appear at the right time and combine with midfielder Worachit to form a flexible and diverse attacking triangle. Meanwhile, the 1.99m tall center-back Ballini, who has Thai and Italian blood, will be the one to defend against the crosses of the host Vietnam.

“Thailand U23 is the host of the final round so they have been preparing for a long time. The 4-0 win over Indonesia shows how well they have prepared. Thailand is developing into a good team in Asia.”

Coach Park Hang-seo

U23 Vietnam will have 2 changes

Dinh Trong has been warmed up since the previous match for the confrontation with U23 Thailand tonight (March 26). Playing in the center of a 3-man defense, Dinh Trong's class and experience will ensure the solidity of the defense line.

Dinh Trong is ready. Photo: Zing

Given the flexibility of central midfielder Wisarut, many experts believe that Quang Hai should be pulled back to play as a central midfielder with Viet Hung. If this happens, Hoang Duc and Thanh Binh will be the attacking wing of U23 Vietnam.

To enhance the blocking ability, Bui Tien Dung, a player from SHB.Da Nang, will be sent to try Thai Quy's position. The player from Da Nang does not attack as well as Thai Quy, but his defensive ability is considered much more solid.

It seems that coach Park Hang-seo still trusts Duc Chinh, because after Tien Linh, he doesn't have many reliable options. Duc Chinh still plays as a striker, even if he doesn't score, he still takes on the task of causing trouble with his pressing ability.

“Coach Park Hang-seo and I are friends, but now one of us will have to try to beat the other. After the match, I will wish him luck. Now, he is the coach of U23 Vietnam, I am the coach of U23 Thailand.”

Coach Alexandre Gama (U23 Thailand)

The difficulties

In a must-win situation, playing an open game with U23 Thailand is a "double-edged sword". Because the away team has many "killers". But when giving up the game to play defensive counter-attacks, Hoang Duc, Duc Chinh, Thanh Binh are not as good at attacking as their seniors Van Duc, Cong Phuong, Anh Duc.

“The 4-0 win over Indonesia shows us how well they prepared,” Mr. Park affirmed.

Even without conductor Supachok, U23 Thailand still has many players who can quickly transform the situation from defense to attack. If they attack to score without scoring, it is easy to fall into the trap.

However, coach Park Hang-seo always gives fans confidence in the way he prepares for matches. That makes U23 Thailand stronger, but we still think about a victory, even though the prediction is very difficult.

EXPECTED LINE-UP:

U23 Vietnam (3-4-3):Tien Dung, Tan Sinh, Dinh Trong, Thanh Chung, Tan Tai, Van Hau, Viet Hung, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Duc Chinh, Thanh Binh.

U23 Thailand (4-2-3-1):Nareechan, Promsupa,Wisechat, Leeaoh, Ballini, Worachit, Kaman, Kittipong; Wisarut, Supachai, Tasa.

Coach of Hong Linh Ha Tinh team: "Coach Park has a strategy to beat Thailand"

(Baonghean.vn) - Sharing with Nghe An Newspaper, the captain of Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club expressed his admiration for Coach Park Hang-seo after the victory of U23 Vietnam against U23 Indonesia.