U23 Vietnam lost to U23 Iraq 0-3 in the opening match at the U23 international Cup
Coach Philippe Troussier’s team had an unexpected start at the U23 international Cup when they had to play with 10 players for most of the match, then lost to their U23 team Iraq with a score of 0-3.
23/03/2023 14:29:17
U23 Vietnam has entered the game quite actively with a way of controlling the ball and deploying a coordinated attack from home. However, when 15 minutes passed, U23 Iraq began to increase the pressing speed, making U23 Vietnam awkwardly lose confidence. Unfortunately, in the 22nd minute, captain Phan Tuan Tai made a careless cross, leading to Hussein Abdullah Lawend stealing the ball. Iraqi U23 players stormed in front of the penalty area. Tien Long had to make a tactical foul and was forced to receive a red card directly after this tackle. Everything changed quickly when U23 Vietnam only played with 10 people. Coach Phillipe Troussier was forced to change personnel and play.
The difference in force correlation has made U23 Vietnam face many difficulties under the pressure of the opponent. In the 45+1 minute, from a quick counterattack, Hussein Abdullah Lawend forced Duy Cuong to commit a foul in the penalty area. On the penalty spot, Ali Basem Almosawe defeated Van Chuan even though the goalkeeper of U23 Vietnam correctly judged the direction of the shot as well as touching the ball.
In the second half, coach Philippe Troussier continued to make adjustments in personnel as well as tactics. Unfortunately, the lack of force plus a stronger opponent made U23 Vietnam unable to change the situation and received a third goal in the 85th minute.
Overall, the U23 Vietnam team played very hard, but the players could not make a difference against an Iraqi U23 with too many advantages. However, losing 0-3 in the first “test” at the friendly tournament also helped coach Philippe Troussier see more clearly the advantages and disadvantages of U23 Vietnam, thereby adjusting to improve in the match. The next match against U23 UAE will take place on March 26.
