Coach Philippe Troussier seems to be paying closer attention to the issue of defending high balls for the Vietnamese team. Rare images from the training session before the match against the Philippines suggest so.
During the first 15 minutes of the practice session, Coach Troussier led the players near the goal to give instructions. The players were divided into two groups, yellow and red, and performed duels simulating situations of defending against high free kicks.
Vietnam team prepares for the match against the Philippines. (Source: VFF)
Such plays could be the key to Vietnam's defensive performance in the match against the Philippines tonight (6pm, November 16).
Observing friendly matches under coach Troussier, fans can easily see the weakness in the organization of the Vietnamese team's defense, especially in set pieces. There are many awkward moments.
Against Uzbekistan and South Korea, the Vietnamese team both conceded goals from corner kicks. In the previous match against China, Dang Van Lam had to pick the ball out of the net twice after the opponent's high ball attacks (including one situation where the goal was disallowed due to offside).
Not only the national team, U23 Vietnam at SEA Games 32 also faced similar problems. The way the young team led by Mr. Troussier struggled to deal with U23 Indonesia's throw-ins in the semi-final match is an example.
Mr. Troussier of course recognizes this problem of the Vietnamese team. With Dang Van Lam in the squad, the French coach can be somewhat assured of the goalkeeper's ability to control space and take the initiative in countering high balls poured into the area near the goal. However, the selection of positions, organization of marking and communication between defensive positions are other problems.
The Vietnamese team practices defending against high balls in set pieces. (Photo: VFF)
In the match against the Philippines tonight, the story of anti-high balls will become even more important for the Vietnamese team. The Philippines has always been a team with a simple, classic European style of play. They use high balls, creating messy situations with many collisions, where the physique and ability to compete of the Philippine players give them an advantage.
The team nicknamed Azkals has caused many difficulties for the Vietnamese team - even during the golden age of Coach Park Hang Seo - in such a way. Therefore, it is even more necessary for Coach Troussier to prepare a plan to counter high balls, especially in set pieces. The important thing is how well Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates operate in the match.
Han Phong
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