Losing to Iraq, U23 Vietnam is eliminated in the quarterfinals of the U23 Asian Championship 2024

U23 Vietnam’s journey at the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup came to a halt in the quarterfinals after a narrow 0-1 defeat against U23 Iraq. The sole goal of the match, a penalty successfully converted by Ali Jasim at the 64th minute, was enough to seal the victory for the Iraqi side.

The match, held at a high competitive level, saw both teams demonstrating strong defensive skills, but it was Iraq who capitalized on their chance from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded following a controversial foul inside the box, which Iraq’s Ali Jasim took full advantage of, sending the ball past Vietnam’s goalkeeper into the net.

U23 Vietnam, under the guidance of coach Hoang Anh Tuan, entered the match with high hopes, having shown promising form in the earlier rounds of the tournament. However, despite their efforts and a solid game plan, they struggled to break down the robust Iraqi defense and create significant scoring opportunities.

Throughout the game, Vietnam’s strategy seemed focused on maintaining possession and looking for openings through quick passes. However, Iraq’s tactical discipline and physicality in midfield made it difficult for the Vietnamese attackers to find the space they needed to pose a real threat.

The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for U23 Vietnam, who had aspired to replicate or surpass their previous successes in the tournament. The team showed moments of quality football, but the lack of cutting edge in the final third was evident.

Looking ahead, U23 Vietnam will need to regroup and reflect on their performance to build for future competitions. The experience gained from playing against top-level Asian teams will undoubtedly serve as valuable lessons for the young squad.

For U23 Iraq, the victory marks a significant achievement as they advance to the semifinals, continuing their pursuit of the championship. The match against Vietnam showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, qualities that will be crucial as they face even tougher opponents in the upcoming matches of the tournament.