The Vietnamese team won 1-0 against Syria with the only goal scored by Pham Tuan Hai. What pleased the fans the most was not the score but the performance of the players on the field. The Vietnamese team seemed to have "transformed" against a strong opponent despite having just caused a lot of disappointment against the Hong Kong team (China).
Vietnam team defeated Syria.
Coach Troussier adjusts the attack
Unlike the match against Hong Kong (China), coach Philippe Troussier gave Nguyen Cong Phuong the chance to start instead of Pham Tuan Hai. The striker, who currently plays for Yokohama, performed well on his return to the Vietnam team, even though he only played half the match.
With a high formation, the Vietnamese team needs strikers who can operate independently and put great pressure on the opponent's defense. This prevents the Syrian players from advancing and the Vietnamese team from being counterattacked.
Cong Phuong played well in the first 45 minutes.
In terms of playing style and movement, Cong Phuong and Nguyen Quang Hai took turns dropping deep to receive the ball, with only Van Tung playing highest up front. When these players dropped deep, the number of players in the midfield of the Vietnamese team increased dramatically. This duo was the catalyst that helped the Vietnamese team dominate the Syrian team in the first half. At that time, Van Hau and Van Thanh were pushed up very high and occupied the space.
Thanks to this way of playing, the Vietnamese team had countless opportunities from the two flanks. In addition, Cong Phuong and Quang Hai always had time and space to receive the ball and shoot from the edge of the penalty area. In the second half, this way of playing was maintained and Tuan Hai's goal came according to the same scenario.
Balanced midfield
Coach Troussier surprised everyone when he named Nguyen Thai Son in the starting lineup of the Vietnam team. The 19-year-old player was promoted to the national team for the first time. However, his performance at the 32nd SEA Games was a guarantee for the Thanh Hoa native. Everyone understood why Coach Troussier trusted Thai Son.
Thai Son is the discovery of coach Troussier.
He has the ability to move tirelessly. At the 32nd SEA Games, Thai Son ran 10.7-11.4 km per match, equivalent to players playing in the English Premier League. This player is not strong in organizing attacks. But that is Tuan Anh's task, and Thai Son needs to bring energy to the midfield.
Indeed, Nguyen Thai Son had an impressive match. He continuously recovered the ball and was present at hot spots to prevent the Syrian team's counterattacks. The fact that Thai Son could "cover the field" helped his seniors like Quang Hai and Tuan Anh feel more secure in creating and attacking.
Tuan Anh and Thai Son create a more balanced midfield pair in the midfield. The midfielder born in 2003 still has many shortcomings and will have a long way to go to improve, but he is a new discovery, showing a different perspective on personnel from coach Troussier.
The opponent played below his potential.
Coach Hector Cuper admitted after the match that the Vietnamese team played better than the Syrian team. That was not a polite statement from this famous coach. The Syrian team really had a bad match compared to their ability.
The Syrian team played below their ability.
Ranked 90th in the world, the Syrian team could not control the match against the Vietnamese team. Only in the last 10 minutes of the match, when the Vietnamese team used many reserve players and young talents, did the game on the field improve for the away team.
Omar Khirbin’s absence has weakened Syria’s attack. When the Vietnamese defenders can easily stop Alaa Dali, Yasin or Aiesh, the midfield and forwards can push up and pressure the Syrian team. Similarly, other players like Al Mawas, Kamel or Anez can only win a few one-on-one duels. Otherwise, they are easily passed by the Vietnamese team.
Mai Phuong
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