U23 Vietnam will enter the 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Semi-final with high expectations, but also a lot of pressure when facing a U23 Philippines team with a tightly organized defense and disciplined competition.
U23 Philippines only conceded 1 goal in the group stage, and that was an own goal. They have locked down the attack of both U23 Indonesia and U23 Malaysia to win tickets to continue.
Therefore, coach Kim Sang-sik needs to make strong adjustments to personnel to increase attack power. Notably, Dinh Bac - the striker who was given many opportunities by coach Troussier at the national team level is likely to start.
Although he was not in the best physical condition after a long-term injury, his goal against the U23 Cambodia team proved the Nghe An's killed instinct and ability to create breakthroughs. He will work with Nguyen Quoc Viet to form a duo in attack.
In the midfield, the 3 names that are almost certain to be in the position are Van Truong, Xuan Bac and Van Khang. While Van Truong and Xuan Bac play the role of organizing and regulating the playing style, Van Khang is a factor that can cause high breakthroughs with unexpected penetrations into the penalty area. The player currently playing for The Cong has had a goal and an assist up to this point.
The two winning positions will likely belong to Anh Quan and Phi Hoang. These are all faces with stable performance throughout the group stage. Defense is still the place that the coaching staff has to consider when center back Ly Duc has just returned from an ankle injury. If he is fit enough, he will start with Hieu Minh and Nhat Minh. In the goalkeeper position, Tran Trung Kien is the number one choice.
The semi-final match between U23 Vietnam and U23 Philippines will take place at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon (July 25).
Expected lineup of U23 Vietnam: Tran Trung Kien, Nguyen Minh, Nhat Minh, Pham Ly Duc, Vo Anh Quan, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Van Truong, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Nguyen Quoc Viet.
