Split points before U23 Philippines, U23 Vietnam risk … being eliminated?

In the second series at the 31st SEA Games, U23 Vietnam encountered many difficulties before the deadly play of U23 Philippines.

It must also be said that the heavy rain at Viet Tri Stadium partly affected the feeling of the ball of Vietnam U23 players. Throughout the first half of the match, despite possessing 70% of the time to control the ball, the opportunities kept passing in front of the red shirt team’s shoes.

In turn, the shots of Huynh Cong Den, Nham Manh Dung or Le Van Do’s two free kicks have not shown accuracy. Even in the first half, striker Tien Linh did not have a single shot towards the goal of goalkeeper Kammeraad on the Philippines U23 side.

Entering the second half, coach Park-Hang Seo brought on the field two players who played very well in the opening match against U23 Indonesia, Ly Cong Hoang Anh and Le Van Xuan. The match in the second half was somewhat better when the continuous pressure was created by U23 Vietnam on the Philippine U23 field.

The familiar down-side coordination has been spread more evenly on the two wings, instead of focusing more on Le Van Do’s left flank. A clear opportunity was created from Tien Linh’s feet, but in a day without a good feeling, striker No. 9 of Vietnam U23 still proved ungainly in front of goalkeeper Kammeraad’s goal.

Realizing the stalemate in attacking, Coach Park-Hang-seo brought two attacking players, Nguyen Van Tung and Nguyen Hai Long, into the field. However, before the very disciplined defense of U23 Philippines, all the ways to the opponent’s goal of the red shirt strikers were blocked, until the famous referee blew the whistle to end the match.

With this draw, U23 Vietnam was unable to take the top spot from the opponent’s hand. However, this is also a match that helps Coach Park Hang-seo see the problems that need to be improved for the students. Thereby drawing experience before entering the most important stage of the tournament.