N NICE SURPRISES

When coach Troussier announced the starting lineup of the Vietnamese team against Syria in the friendly match at Thien Truong Stadium, fans noticed interesting appearances. First was the return of Van Thanh on the right wing and Cong Phuong in the left forward position. Van Thanh ran on the right wing but often moved between the opponent's 1/3 to the bottom of the sideline, freed from the defensive role, making him play more freely. Cong Phuong also impressed with his handling ability and daring dribbling. In particular, the number 10 who had just returned from Japan played more reasonably in his passes and coordination.

Young talent Tuan Tai was arranged to play left center back from the start, replacing Thanh Binh, who also played quite well. But the biggest surprise was Thai Son, the U.22 Vietnam midfielder who was assigned by coach Troussier to start in the center of midfield. The small guy (only 1.71 m tall) when replacing his senior Hoang Duc played with unexpected confidence, completing his role as a ball coordinator well. Not afraid of collisions, the midfielder born in 2003 confidently held the ball, coordinated with his teammates, escaped pressing next to Tuan Anh and often made open passes up front. At the age of 20, Thai Son had a very impressive debut, promising to be a new factor to increase the strength of the Vietnam team.

In the back line, goalkeeper Van Lam and defenders Ngoc Hai, Duy Manh, Van Hau… continued to be trusted despite their poor performance in the match against Hong Kong a few days ago. Having received the captain’s trust, these players created a solid foundation for the Vietnamese team when they neutralized most of Syria’s attacks.

In the first half, although they did not score, Coach Troussier's students attacked smoothly and their coherent coordination received applause from the fans. In particular, the way Quang Hai, Cong Phuong, Tuan Tai, Thai Son... played together showed that the Vietnamese team is gradually gaining the trust of the fans.

I 've "learned" the lesson better.

The Vietnamese team not only won but also completely outplayed Syria, who are 50 places above them in the FIFA rankings. The boldness of young players like Thai Son created excitement, helping the team to release their inertia and play with enthusiasm. It should also be added that the Vietnamese team made important adjustments when the two central defenders both had their dominant foot in the direction of the wing. This made the attacks more consistent. The crosses from the wing were no longer poured in, but were adjusted by coach Troussier into dangerous crosses. Especially in the second half, the escapes down the wing and the passes back were better utilized. The way Tuan Hai shot diagonally to open the score was exactly what the "White Witch" expected, when the attackers rushed up to receive the ball and attack when there was an opportunity near the edge of the penalty area.

Truong Tien Anh replacing Van Thanh on the right wing was a surprise, but Mr. Troussier made good use of the Viettel midfielder's ability to play directly and quickly. In fact, he and Tuan Hai continuously created problems in front of the Syrian goal, before the Vietnamese team opened the score in the 49th minute. The important thing is that the players have "learned the game" better, and their playing style is more reasonable from the adjustments after the match against the Hong Kong team. The ball circulation speed is faster, and the central defender's early crosses are more proactive. In the victory over Syria, the Vietnamese team played very smoothly.

It is even more interesting when that rhythm happens all over the field, regardless of veteran or rookie. Even in the last 15 minutes of the match, the two U.23 Vietnam midfielders, Thai Son and Van Toan, confidently controlled the midfield area, showing that Coach Troussier was right to put his trust in the young players. Of course, Coach Troussier's rather complex playing style will need more time and more actual matches to improve. With yesterday's performance, the Vietnam team showed that they are gradually asserting themselves to meet the expectations of the fans.