before the group stage
Entering the group stage with only 1 loss to U23 Qatar, U23 Uzbekistan surprised everyone.
FOX Sports called China U23's loss to the Central Asian representative "unbleachable", because after the CSL tournament reform, the host country invested heavily in youth football and this was the core generation for the Chinese national team.
"Flirting" punches
Just 8 minutes in the quarter-final match (31' - 39'), U23 Uzbekistan absorbed the "bluesamurai" with 3 lightning goals.
The common points in the 3 goals were the players' superb technique, the ability to seize opportunities and the feeling of "breathing" a sharp goal.
Among the "cadocutors" of U23 Uzbekistan, the one who is shining the most is striker number 8 Yakhshibaev, with 3 goals in the last 2 matches.
In all three of those goals, Yakhshibaev showed his best. Handling the ball well in limited range, the skill of a superstar. And finally, there are perfect curves from the superficial left leg.
As boxing legend Muhammad Ali once said, to defeat a big opponent, it is necessary to make quick, strong, and standard attacks in a short period of time.
Those punches were likened to "pick-ups from the wasps". U23 Uzbekistan did this very well.
Steel defensive wall
The only goal that U23 Uzbekistan conceded in the past 2 matches came from a set-piece. The rare coordination situations of U23 Korea and U23 Japan could not penetrate the defensive wall of U23 Uzbekistan.
The Central Asian representative has the same defense as U23 Vietnam, but the most outstanding point is her physical strength. While U23 Vietnam is not racing for physical strength, strength and defense in the region, our opponent is ready to attack one by one, killing the opponent's spear.
In addition, they still ensure a regional defensive system, causing teams that are inclined to coordinate short, less touching like U23 Japan to "dead".
The ability to turn the game around in just 1 second
Of the 8 goals in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, 4 were scored with "big shots" by the U23 Uzbekistan strikers.
This is the most dangerous weapon that proactive counter-attacking teams like U23 Vietnam are afraid of. Because no matter how thick the defensive wall is, it cannot withstand such superb situations.
How strong the opponent is, U23 Vietnam certainly knows. But with confidence, excitement and the spirit that is there, the NHM of the country is hoping that Coach Park and his team will overcome this "final boss" to reach heaven.
