Bhutan was never expected to be a serious contender for a spot in the U20 Asian Cup finals, given the significant gap in skill level compared to U20 Vietnam. Facing such an opponent, U20 Vietnam’s coach, Hua Hien Vinh, set multiple objectives for his players: securing a decisive win, testing their tactical gameplay, and yet ensuring not to reveal too much for upcoming opponents to decipher their strategy.
From the very start, U20 Vietnam asserted control of the match, dominating possession immediately after the referee’s whistle. Despite not fielding their strongest lineup, the Group A hosts played assertively. The team executed well-coordinated plays from both flanks and the center, though their attacks in the final third lacked variety, limiting the number of clear goal-scoring opportunities in the first half.
Throughout the first half, U20 Vietnam created about three or four solid chances to score. However, they only managed to capitalize on one. In the 11th minute, from an attack down the right wing, Minh Tien delivered a cross that forced Bhutan’s goalkeeper Nima to make a diving save, parrying the ball into the path of left-back Bao Long. Seizing the opportunity, Bao Long controlled the ball and fired a low shot that threaded through Bhutan’s defenders and goalkeeper, rolling into the net to give Vietnam an early 1-0 lead. Despite being dominated, U20 Bhutan did manage to create a heart-stopping moment for the home fans in the 28th minute when Namguel broke free and fired a dangerous shot, but it flew just over the bar.
In the second half, U20 Vietnam remained dominant as coach Hua Hien Vinh made several substitutions to sharpen the attack. In the 52nd minute, substitute Cong Phuong delivered a brilliant through ball that split Bhutan’s high defensive line, allowing Dang Duong to race past goalkeeper Nima and slot the ball into the empty net, doubling the lead to 2-0. Around 20 minutes later, Cong Phuong was again the catalyst for Vietnam’s attack, stealing the ball near the halfway line with a powerful run, outpacing all of Bhutan’s defenders, and coolly finishing to extend the lead to 3-0.
In the 78th minute, Huu Tuan added a fourth goal for U20 Vietnam, heading home from a well-placed free-kick by Cong Phuong. Then, in stoppage time, Cong Phuong capped off a stellar performance with a stunning curling shot that bounced off the crossbar and into the net, sealing a 5-0 victory for U20 Vietnam.
This resounding win not only boosted Vietnam’s goal difference but also gave the team valuable experience ahead of more challenging matches in the qualifiers.
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