U23 Vietnam shares points with U23 Iraq in the opening match of the Dubai Cup 2022

U23 Vietnam Played with a defensive 5-4-1 formation in the match against Iraq U23 at the 2022 Dubai Cup friendly. Whether directed by acting head coach Lee Young Jin or former coach Park Hang Seo, U23 Vietnam Men all played cautiously, placing heavy emphasis on defending the goal before thinking about finding a goal.

In the first 15 minutes, Iraq U23 was the dominant team in controlling the ball, but U23 Vietnam’s defense played well, helping Quan Van Chuan’s goal not to face any dangerous ball.

After a period of humble play, U23 Vietnam began to regain the game. In the 18th minute, receiving a favorable release from his teammates, Tran Bao Toan finished with one touch in the penalty area, but the ball did not pass the reach of goalkeeper Hassan Assi.

In the 21st minute, Muntahder Hadi made a dangerous mistake with Phan Tan Tai. Initially, the referee intended to show a red card, but after consulting the assistant, the final decision was made as a yellow card.

While Iraq U23 focused on cutting into the two edges, U23 Vietnam had good smashing situations by Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong and Bao Toan. However, the coordination phases of Mr. Lee Young Jin’s students were not sharp enough in the final touches to convert into opportunities.

Before the first half ended, U23 Vietnam fortunately avoided a goal. After hitting the wall with his teammates, Ahmed Omar ended up with a dangerous right-footed shot to hit Tran Quang Thinh’s foot and narrowly went over the crossbar.

In the second half, coach Lee Young Jin launched 5 players into the field, including 2 strikers Nham Manh Dung and Le Xuan Tu. However, U23 Vietnam still plays with a low back formation to preserve the net.

Except for the situation where Xuan Tu bounced high and headed the ball off the post, U23 Vietnam did not have too many coherent attacking balls. Similarly, U23 Iraq did not create a highlight when U23 Vietnam defended firmly with the majority.

Just like the first half, there were no goals scored in the second half when both teams were disciplined and scientific until the last minute. Draw with Iraq U23 0-0, U23 Vietnam has an acceptable opening match in the Dubai Cup 2022. U23 Vietnam will play the second match in the tournament, meeting Croatia U23 on March 29.

Final results: U23 Vietnam 0-0 U23 Iraq