In an enriching warm-up ahead of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship, the Vietnam U23 national team squared off against their Jordanian counterparts in a friendly match on the evening of April 10th, local time. After a full-time draw, the encounter moved to a penalty shootout, where the U23 Jordan team emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline.
Reflecting on the match, Head Coach Hoang Anh Tuan commended the beneficial experience gained from the fixture. The Vietnam U23 team experimented with two different line-ups, switching at halftime to give valuable playing time and experience to a broader set of players. Despite the result not fully aligning with their aspirations, Coach Tuan observed positive signs from his squad’s performance. He noted that the quality of play remained consistent across both halves, even as the team composition changed, highlighting the depth and versatility within the squad.
One of the primary objectives for this friendly was to practice penalty shootouts, a crucial aspect of tournament play that can decide the outcome of closely contested matches. Although U23 Vietnam did not win the shootout, Coach Tuan viewed this as an essential preparatory experience for the players.
The draw in regulation time was seen as a fair reflection of the match by Coach Tuan, acknowledging the efforts and quality of both teams. This friendly match served not only as a critical component of Vietnam’s preparation for the upcoming championship but also as a testament to the team’s promising potential and resilience.
As the Vietnam U23 team continues their preparations in Qatar, this match against U23 Jordan will undoubtedly play a significant role in their tactical and mental readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in the AFC U23 Championship. With optimism and valuable lessons learned from this encounter, U23 Vietnam is set to approach the upcoming tournament with confidence and a strong team spirit.
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