Pre-match information
After a 1-1 draw against Kuwait, U23 Vietnam had a 2-0 victory over the Philippines thanks to goals from Thanh Nhan and Le Phat. This result helped coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team maintain a favorable position in the race to win tickets to the quarterfinals.
The positive point of U23 Vietnam is the ability to control the match better than in the opening match. The midfield maintained the initiative to regularly create opportunities. Thanh Nhan and Le Phat also partly relieved pressure after missing many opportunities against Kuwait.
In the opposite direction, U23 Uzbekistan is in good form. The Central Asian team successively won against the Philippines 5-1 and Kuwait 2-0 to lead the group. In the match against Kuwait, Uzbekistan even had to play with one less player for more than 40 minutes but still maintained a 2-goal gap.
Uzbekistan's strength comes from physical strength, ability to compete and the speed of changing states. Attacks on both wings and the ability to quickly put the ball into the baseline area can put pressure on Vietnam's defense.
Uzbekistan's determination to advance may change the nature of the match. U23 Vietnam does not necessarily have to push up the squad at all times, instead prioritizing balance, limiting gaps and waiting for opportunities.
This is also a confrontation reminiscent of the 2018 AFC U23 Championship final, when Uzbekistan defeated Vietnam to win the championship. At the U23 level, Uzbekistan still has the advantage in head-to-head history with 3 wins and 1 draw.
