Difficult to enter the game first
In the first leg, the Vietnamese team started the game proactively, but only maintained pressure for the first 10 minutes. The connection between the lines was not as expected and the only way to contact Xuan Son was through long passes.
The satellites around Xuan Son were not sharp enough to create continuous opportunities. Although Thailand did not create as many dangerous situations as Vietnam, they had a clear strategy. The uniformity in quality of the players allowed them to coordinate smoothly and cover each other effectively.
At Viet Tri Stadium, it is difficult for coach Kim Sang-sik to strike first. It is even more difficult to surprise the opponent in the same way on the away field. Therefore, the Vietnamese team needs to approach the match with careful preparation both mentally and tactically to avoid being overwhelmed in front of more than 40,000 spectators at Rajamangala Stadium.
Xuan Son Support Plan
In the first leg, Thailand tried to stop Xuan Son, they assigned center-back Pansa Hemviboon to follow him closely.
But the double in the second half showed how good the striker born in 1997 is at pressing and escaping from the marking. Every time he moves up, Xuan Son attracts defenders, partly opening up space on both sides.
In the return match, the War Elephants will certainly find a way to closely monitor Xuan Son. In case he is blocked, the Vietnamese team will need other options to attack. Letting Tien Linh play alongside Xuan Son is also an idea that should be considered.
In previous matches, Tien Linh usually only entered the field in the second half. When the opposing team's defense was too concerned about Xuan Son, Tien Linh would have more space to show his ability. In the first leg, the striker from Binh Duong only entered the field in extra time, so he could completely start the second leg with full fitness.
Although Xuan Son's ability to operate independently is outstanding, he still needs the support and connection of the surrounding midfielders.
Midfield Battle
Hoang Duc and Doan Ngoc Tan were paired in midfield in the first leg. When Hoang Duc moved up to support the attack, Ngoc Tan played the role of covering behind. According to statistics from Sofascore, he had 13 successful duels, the highest on the field.
Hoang Duc started playing better from the semi-final match against Singapore and continued this form against Thailand. On the contrary, the War Elephants' midfield trio of William Weidersjo, Akarapong Pumwisat and Benjamin Davis did not play well, losing the ball a lot.
In the second leg, coach Masatada Ishii may let Weerathep Pomphan and captain Peeradon Chamratsamee return to the squad. Benjamin Davis may keep his place, as he was impressive in the previous match. His sharp attacking mind and ball-holding ability make the 2000-born star a formidable explosive force for the War Elephants.
The young midfielder of English origin also ran the most in the first leg (11.2km), moving continuously to support his teammates in both defense and attack. This will be the name that the Vietnamese team needs to pay attention to in the second leg.
