U20 Vietnam Sets Aside Sorrow, Determined to Beat Palestine

The training ground in Shenzhen on the afternoon of September 2 no longer carried the heavy atmosphere of the opening match defeat. Laughter began to return to the training session of the Vietnam U20 team, a small but sufficient sign that the young players have temporarily put aside the sorrow of the 0-3 loss to North Korea U20. Head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi and his staff are urgently reinforcing tactical plays, aiming for a full three points against Palestine U20 in the match within the framework of the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for September 3. The context of this match is extremely clear. After the defeat to North Korea U20, Vietnam U20's chances of advancing remain but are running out. Palestine U20, our direct competitor, also just suffered a 1-2 defeat to Iran U20. This result means the upcoming match is almost a final of the group. Whoever wins will keep their hopes alive, while the loser will almost certainly say goodbye to the dream of attending the AFC U20 Asian Cup finals. However, to secure a victory against Palestine U20, Vietnam U20 must solve a problem named the defense line. Looking back at the 0-3 loss to North Korea U20, it is clear that the defense played without organization, especially in transition situations. The young players left too many gaps in midfield and in front of the penalty area, allowing the opponent to easily deploy the ball and attack directly. Head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi's headache grows even more as several key players cannot attend this gathering. Most notably, the absence of Nguyen Le Phat, one of the most experienced center-backs of the U20 generation. This absence leaves the U20 Vietnam defense relying solely on Dinh Quang Kiet as the single anchor. This player is considered the one with the best international experience in the current squad, a crucial stopper in front of the goal. However, it was Quang Kiet himself who underperformed in the opening match. Having to carry the entire defense line while surrounded by less experienced names put this center-back under immense pressure. It is understandable to say that Quang Kiet's underperformance was one of the reasons for the defeat to North Korea U20, but it should also be recognized that he alone cannot solve everything. Football is a team sport, and the lack of solidity from the surrounding positions is the root cause of the weak defense. With a squad that is not the strongest, coupled with a fragile defense, it would be a mistake for U20 Vietnam to push high and trade blows with Palestine U20. Instead, the players need to play more pragmatic football. The team needs a compact, disciplined game, prioritizing absolute safety for the goal. Defensive solidity is the foundation for aiming at a favorable result. Once the defense stands firm, U20 Vietnam can completely wait for opportunities from fast counter-attacks, utilizing the speed of wingers or from set-piece situations. But on the other hand, placing all faith in a fragile defense is a gamble. And Dinh Quang Kiet, after a forgettable match, will face a dual task: being both the spiritual support and the defensive leader. The return to his best form is a prerequisite for U20 Vietnam to hope for a favorable result against Palestine U20. If Quang Kiet continues to underperform, the U20 Vietnam defense will again face the risk of collapsing, and another defeat would mean the end of all hopes. Following many youth tournaments in Southeast Asia and Asia, I notice that at this age, psychological and mental factors sometimes matter more than expertise. The young players of U20 Vietnam are showing comfort and determination, with coach Ikeuchi conveying a positive message. However, that comfort needs to be demonstrated through high concentration throughout the 90 minutes, not just smiles at training. A tense match can easily cause young players to make mistakes, and that is when Quang Kiet's experience and the guidance of the coaching staff are needed. The match against Palestine U20 will be a real test of the mettle of U20 Vietnam's young players. Palestine U20 is not too strong an opponent, but they have their own strengths. They play physically, do not shy away from challenges, and have high fighting spirit. If U20 Vietnam does not have a reasonable game plan and cannot maintain focus throughout the match, they may have to pay the price. The tournament is still ahead, but for such a young team, a poor result could leave long-lasting psychological scars. The fact that the team is missing some key players and does not have the strongest squad is something no one wants, but that is the reality. This is the time when the collective spirit of the whole team is tested. If the players take the field with the spirit of warriors, fighting their hearts out for the national colors, playing to their abilities and following the coaching staff's tactics, then winning is not too far-fetched. Vietnamese fans will always watch and support, but they are also very demanding. They may forgive a defeat, but they will not forgive a team lacking desire and fighting spirit. Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi has set a goal of winning. This is an order, an expectation, and also a statement that the team is still there, still alive, and still has every chance. It will not be an easy match, it may not be a goal fest, but it will be a battle of determination and mettle. I am waiting for a completely different U20 Vietnam in this match.