The recent defeat against U.23 Indonesia at SEA Games 32 brought many lessons to U.23 Vietnam, the most notable of which is the ability to concentrate to stand firm in difficult moments, in matches where one mistake can lead to the collapse of all previous efforts.
In the final match at Rayong Provincial Stadium, U.23 Indonesia proved why this team convincingly defeated host U.23 Thailand in the semi-finals. The young team of the archipelago has all the qualities to win the championship, from the diverse and fast attacking style thanks to the agile and skillful strikers to the experience of coach Shin Tae-yong and many faces who have just won the SEA Games 32 convincingly.
U.23 Vietnam surpasses U.23 Indonesia
With a fierce pressing strategy to win the ball and organize quick attacks, U.23 Indonesia continuously encroached on U.23 Vietnam's field, attacking and finishing better, and hitting the ball into goalkeeper Van Chuan's penalty area more often.
However, the difference between the current U.23 Vietnam and the time of the 32nd SEA Games is that coach Hoang Anh Tuan's team always controls the situation well whether they have the ball or not. In other words, U.23 Indonesia controls the ball, but U.23 Vietnam is the team that really controls the game and dominates the space on the field.
Playing with courage, maintaining good team formation and effectively withstanding pressure, U.23 Vietnam not only repelled the opponent's pressure, but also counterattacked very well every time they regained control of the ball. In the second half, there were at least 4 situations where U.23 Vietnam coordinated well, only needing about 4 to 5 touches to develop the ball to create a dangerous shot. If Minh Quang, Quoc Viet or Xuan Tien had taken better advantage, goalkeeper Ernando's net would have shaken.
U.23 Vietnam overcomes many difficult turns in the final
Unlike the match against U.23 Malaysia when U.23 Vietnam dominated the game with overwhelming ball possession, not having the ball but still deploying a truly coherent game in the final against U.23 Indonesia was a step forward in both tactics and psychological warfare of the young team coached by Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan.
U.23 Vietnam neutralized the strong throw-ins of U.23 Indonesia, on a day when goalkeeper Van Chuan and the defenders played with concentration. Besides defending the high balls well, Duy Cuong and his teammates also positioned themselves and covered effectively to deflect the passes in the middle of U.23 Indonesia.
The careful study of the opponent to find a way to counter it shows the serious preparation of U.23 Vietnam from the beginning of the tournament to the final match. Although participating in the tournament with a young squad, with many unfamiliar faces such as Minh Khoa, Ba Dat, Long Vu, Minh Quang,..., U.23 Vietnam has made an effort in each match.
Van Chuan played excellently.
Players with a springboard to maturity
Coach Hoang Anh Tuan completed the mission
The maturity in competitive spirit is also shown in the steadfast spirit, not shaken even when the opponent blocked the penalty kick during the official match time. The proof is that entering the penalty shootout, all 6 players of U.23 Vietnam completed the task.
Goalkeeper Van Chuan, who failed to save any penalty kicks at the 2023 Doha Cup when U.23 Vietnam lost to U.23 Kyrgyzstan, has now become a hero with an accurate dive in the 6th round of kicks. The 120 minutes at Rayong Provincial Stadium also witnessed the optimal version of Van Chuan. With the captain's armband in hand, the goalkeeper of Hanoi Club played very focused, making many excellent saves until once again shining at the fateful spot.
Van Chuan's return after many setbacks is typical of the U.23 Vietnam team led by coach Hoang Anh Tuan. That team, despite its shortcomings, always strives to improve every day. That team deserves the title of U.23 Southeast Asian champion.
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