U23 Vietnam has 4 points after 2 matches and has the right to decide in the race to win a ticket to the quarterfinals. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team drew 1-1 against U23 Kuwait in the opening match, then defeated U23 Philippines 2-0.
The victory over U23 Philippines brought positive signals for U23 Vietnam. The team controlled the midfield well, maintained pressure and created many opportunities. Two goals from Thanh Nhan and Le Phat also helped the U23 Vietnam attack relieve pressure after the ineffective match against U23 Kuwait.
However, U23 Uzbekistan is a challenge at a higher level. The Central Asian representative has won all 2 matches, defeating U23 Philippines 5-1 and U23 Kuwait 2-0 respectively to soon win tickets to the quarterfinals.
U23 Uzbekistan showed good physical foundation, strong tackling ability and fast ball deployment speed. This team often puts pressure in the midfield area, while exploiting speed on both wings to put the ball into dangerous areas.
This requires U23 Vietnam to maintain a reasonable formation distance and limit situations of losing the ball in the midfield area. The ability to control the midfield will be important, because if U23 Uzbekistan is allowed to comfortably deploy the ball, the Vietnamese defense may face great pressure.
A favorable thing for U23 Vietnam is that U23 Uzbekistan has definitely qualified for the next round. Meanwhile, with 4 points, U23 Vietnam is also having an advantage in the race to win a ticket to the quarter-finals. Therefore, coach Dinh Hong Vinh can prioritize certainty, organize a reasonable squad and wait for counter-attack opportunities.
The ability to take advantage of opportunities will be an important factor. U23 Vietnam needs to maintain concentration in defense, and at the same time take good advantage of the gaps when the opponent pushes high. A favorable result will help U23 Vietnam complete the goal of passing the group stage.
U23 Uzbekistan is likely not to use the strongest squad as they have already qualified for the quarter-finals. This is an opportunity for U23 Vietnam to aim for a positive result, even though the opponent still possesses many quality players.
Expected lineup
U23 Vietnam: Cao Van Binh, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Nguyen Duc Anh, Pham Ly Duc, Le Nguyen Hoang, Pham Minh Phuc, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, Nguyen Quoc Viet, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Ngoc My.
U23 Uzbekistan: Muralbaev, Bakhromov, Jumaev, Khamidov, Khayrullaev, Martazoyev, Tulkinbekov, Rizakulov, Sainurullaev, Urinbaev, Murtazoyev.
