Advantages of form and strength
In the opening match, U23 Vietnam had a convincing 3-0 victory over U23 Laos. The result not only brought three full points but also created positive psychological momentum before the decisive match with U23 Cambodia.
Under the leadership of coach Kim Sang-sik, the red team showed superiority in tactical organization, implementation speed and the ability to change the state. In particular, the chain in the midfield such as Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Thai Son and Nguyen Minh Phuc coordinated well, controlled the game and organized effective attacks. The lower line of U23 Vietnam also left a positive mark, although sometimes lacking concentration. The central defender duo Ly Duc and Hieu Minh have the ability to compete, read situations well and play quite a stable head.
Although without the service of key striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan due to injury, the team still has many reliable replacements such as Le Van Thuan or Viktor Le. The tactical system has been clearly defined, with a familiar formation of 4-2-3-1, helping the team maintain balance in both defense and attack.
Meanwhile, U23 Cambodia started the tournament with a 1-1 draw with U23 Laos, which was not a very positive result. The Angkor representative's playing style revealed many problems, especially in defense. Large gaps on the two wings and poor counter-attacking ability make them vulnerable to teams with speed and technique. Despite having a few outstanding individuals such as Reth Lyheng or Leng Nora, the Cambodian team generally lacks experience and cohesion.
U23 Vietnam has the right to decide for themselves
After two matches in Group B, U23 Vietnam is leading with 3 points and a goal difference of +3 after the victory over Laos. U23 Cambodia has 1 point after the draw with Laos, while Laos has been officially eliminated with only 1 point in two matches. This situation gives U23 Vietnam complete control of the right to decide for themselves.
With just a draw against Cambodia in the final round, coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will win a ticket to the semi-finals as group winners. Meanwhile, Cambodia must win if they want to keep their hope of moving on.
However, having to attack a superior opponent will put Cambodia at risk of revealing many gaps behind, which the Vietnamese attack can exploit with speedy counter-attacks.
The history of the confrontation is also completely on the Vietnamese side. In the last 10 meetings at the U23 level, Cambodia has lost all, conceding 28 goals and scoring only 3 goals. At the 32nd and U23 Vietnam Games, they defeated Cambodia 3-1 in a completely dominating match.
The match against U23 Cambodia is considered an opportunity for U23 Vietnam to affirm their strength as well as perfect the tactical system before the semi-finals. If given an early advantage, coach Kim Sang-sik can completely consider rotating the squad to save the strength of the pillars and give opportunities to the reserve factors. This will be an important preparation step in the journey to conquer the championship.
On the contrary, U23 Cambodia will have to focus all their efforts on playing offensively. However, that poses many risks if they cannot ensure solidity in defense. Against a Vietnam with speed and understanding in playing style, Cambodia's loopholes are easy to exploit.
With the advantage in terms of strength, form and history of confrontation, U23 Vietnam is predicted to dominate the game and win. A favorable result not only helps them qualify for the semi-finals but also creates a solid psychological momentum for the journey to conquer the Southeast Asian championship this year.
