After a 3-0 loss to Iraq in the opening game, coach Philippe Troussier made four substitutions by sending in goalkeeper Doan Duy Hoang, defenders Tran Quang Thinh and Tran Van Thang, and midfielder Le Quoc Nhat Nam.

Vietnamese players performed well against their stronger UAE opponents and kept a clean sheet in the first half. They event carved out a scoring chance in the 18th minute when Le Van Do went into the penalty area and passed the ball to Van Truong to finish. The ball then hit Hamad Fahad Almaazmi’s hand, but the referee did not give Vietnam a penalty.

After the break, UAE players in strongly physical form continued to flex their muscle, scoring four goals by taking advantage of the opponents’ mistakes and well controlling the high ball.

Despite the loss, Troussier highly appreciated the whole team’s efforts, and said his students should have not accept a 4-0 loss to the UAE opponents. He admitted U23 UAE are a strong challenger for any teams, but U23 Vietnam maintained their discipline throughout the game.

After two losses, U23 Vietnam were sent to the bottom of the standings.

Source: VOV