U23 Vietnam: Adjusting the "aim"

VHO - U23 Vietnam had a favorable start in the 2026 U23 Asian qualifiers with 2 wins. However, what makes experts and fans worried is the limited ability to take advantage of opportunities, especially in finishing.

In the two matches against U23 Bangladesh (2-0) and U23 Singapore (1-0), U23 Vietnam often controlled the game, creating many coherent attacks.

U23 Vietnam (white shirt) has not yet taken full advantage of the opportunities created.

The midfielders did well in distributing the ball and opening up opportunities for the strikers. However, the effectiveness in decisive situations did not meet expectations.

Many times young strikers miss out on good chances right in front of the goal, from weak shots, inappropriate positioning to hasty mentality. Those moments not only make the team miss out on goals but also slow down the overall excitement.

Statistics show that in the last 2 matches, U23 Vietnam players have put the ball between the opponent's goalpost and crossbar 5 times, including 4 times in the match against U23 Bangladesh.

The number of shots of U23 Vietnam in these 2 matches was 31 but only 10 were on target and scored 3 goals.

This shows that the efficiency of converting chances into goals is average, not bad, but not optimal.

In the match against U23 Singapore, U23 Vietnam only broke the deadlock in the 79th minute thanks to a dangerous header by Le Van Thuan.

If the strikers had taken advantage of their chances more accurately in the early part of the second half, the team could have opened the score earlier and relieved a lot of pressure.

When asked about the fact that U23 Vietnam created many opportunities but only scored one goal, coach Kim Sang-sik said: “Everyone saw that we had many dangerous situations, but the Singapore goalkeeper played excellently.

We will continue to improve our finishing ability to make better use of opportunities in the upcoming matches."

Van Thuan (number 10) scored the only goal in the match against U23 Singapore

Certainly, the U23 Vietnam players will need to improve more in finishing. Diversifying finishing exercises, increasing long-range shots, one-touch shots, small combinations in the penalty area, from many angles and with different pressures is very necessary.

Besides, it is necessary to practice mental skills in front of goal, especially important in tense matches.

Analyzing missed situations to learn from them is also very important. Coach Kim Sang-sik and his team can review videos of missed shots, identify technical errors, positions or pressure to make adjustments.

This is a must because ahead is the main competitor for the ticket to continue in group C - U23 Yemen and further ahead is SEA Games 33 and the U23 Asian Cup (if passing the qualifying round).

If they score against U23 Yemen on September 9, U23 Vietnam will enter the final round of the U23 Asian Cup for the sixth consecutive time.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/u23-viet-nam-chinh-lai-thuoc-ngam-166601.html