U22 Vietnam: 3 points and 3 issues following the victory over Laos

05/12/2025 14:17:00 PANDATV

The 2-1 victory over U22 Laos, with Nguyễn Đình Bắc scoring twice, was a complete points gain but startled many regarding the quality of the display. Even as the opening game, the difficulties forced questions about the preparation process once considered the "best ever" for coach Kim Sang Sik’s players.

The preparation process forSEA Games 33can be said to have started from the CFA friendly tournament in China last September, which was still under coach Đinh Hồng Vinh’s leadership, featuring mainstays like Thanh Nhàn, Đình Bắc, Thái Sơn, Quốc Việt…

Since then, along with the inclusion of players who have played for U23 Vietnam for many years such as Văn Khang, Văn Trường…, our youth team has gone through nearly 20 international matches, including official competitions like the Southeast Asian Championship, U23 Asian qualifiers, plus two quality friendlies in China and training camps in Qatar and Tajikistan.

However, nothing in the match against U22 Laos showed that it was the result of such a strategic training process. It made U22 Vietnam’s heavy ball control seem "odd" when the number of chances created was very distant from the possession percentage, and even more so regarding situations delivering the ball precisely toward the opponent’s goal.

Training together for a long time, frequent interactions, facing a variety of opponents… what is the purpose when U22 Vietnam cannot build tactically sophisticated plays to break through the opponent’s dense defense?

Although he is the captain, Văn Khang was unable to remain on the field until the final whistle. Photo: Tuấn Phạm

To put it bluntly: to win against U22 Laos in the manner seen in the opening match, such extensive preparation might not have been necessary?

Therefore, there are now only three possible explanations for that narrow victory: First, U22 Laos has improved. Second, the preparation process is aimed at winning the gold medal, not just this match. Third, we actually have nothing new.

Most likely, it is the third issue. The lack of convincing tactical play is not a new problem for U22 (U23) Vietnam. More accurately, we only play straightforwardly, with clear intentions when facing stronger opponents, mainly relying on familiarity with the defensive counterattack style considered a "strength" of Vietnamese football at all levels.

U22 Vietnam unexpectedly took a break from training, with players temporarily ‘resting’ ahead of the match against U22 Malaysia

Conversely, when holding the ball more and being forced to score, the ability to convert chances into goals remains disappointing, even in matches we win decisively. Instead of playing elegantly and increasing attacking efficiency, U22 (U23) often depends on individuals to resolve matches.

The image of Khuất Văn Khang, the most experienced player and captain, being substituted early highlights the collective tactical deadlock of U22 Vietnam.

With Văn Khang on the field, the ball was repeatedly shifted to the left wing, and despite his many years of experience, he mainly rolled the ball forward and then delivered crosses that were not specifically targeted inside…

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