‘I didn’t do anything, the credit belongs to the Vietnamese U23 player’

On the evening of June 8 (Vietnam time), U23 Vietnam entered the final match in Group C of the 2022 AFC U23 Championship against Malaysia U23. Coach Gong Oh-kyun’s army overwhelmed the opponent from the first minutes of the match. By the 28th minute, the deadlock of the match was broken when Nham Manh Dung headed the opponent’s net.

In the injury time of the first half, the Malaysian U23 player let the ball touch his hand in the penalty area and U23 Vietnam was awarded a penalty. On the 11-meter mark, even though it took 2 shots, Bui Hoang Viet Anh still helped us get a goal to raise the score to 2-0. The rest of the match, the “golden star warriors” played leisurely and preserved this victory. Victory helped teachers and coaches Gong Oh-kyun put their name in the quarterfinals.

Bui Hoang Viet Anh set the score 2-0 for U23 Vietnam.

Speaking after the match, the Korean strategist humbly shared:

“Today Vietnam won the first, to enter the quarter-finals of the Asian U23 tournament. I was very impressed with my players. Before the tournament, no one thought Vietnam could do it, but now the whole team has succeeded. I didn’t do anything, didn’t contribute much. The credit goes to the players, the coaching staff, the doctors who helped the team a lot. I appreciate that.”

In this match, Coach Gong made 5 adjustments in personnel compared to the Korean draw. Van Cong, Cong Den, Thanh Nhan, Hai Long and Quang Nho replaced Duy Cuong, Van Truong, Van Khang, Van Do and Hoang Anh. Explaining his decision, the Korean strategist shared:

“I was thinking about the quarter-finals so I had to plan this match. I have no special reason when the players are all physically and professionally. I can change personnel.”

Coach U23 Vietnam continued: “We focus on recovery, then count. I asked the players what they wanted. They said they wanted to go to a higher level. I understand and want to take them to new places.”

Sharing about midfielder Bui Hoang Viet Anh taking on the task of taking the penalty, Mr. Gong explained: “It was a big moment so I wanted the captain of the team to be the one to do it,” Mr. Gong revealed.