U20 Vietnam shake off sadness, determined to beat Palestine

On the afternoon of September 2, at the training field of the U20 Vietnam team in a suburban training center, the gloomy atmosphere following the 0-3 defeat to U20 North Korea had disappeared. One-touch passes and shouts from the players showed their spirits were recovering. Head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi stood in the center circle, repeating one phrase: "Attack, but be solid." He knew that the match against Palestine on the afternoon of September 3 was no longer a choice, but a command. Two days ago, U20 Vietnam had a forgettable opening match in the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers, losing comprehensively to U20 North Korea. That result put coach Ikeuchi's team in a corner in Group C. However, the door to progression is not completely shut as Palestine, the direct rival, also just suffered a 1-2 defeat to Iran. This means whichever team wins the head-to-head encounter will gain a significant advantage in the race for a qualifying spot. According to my research, the September 2 training session was not just about physical recovery. The coaching staff spent nearly 30 minutes reviewing the video of the loss to North Korea. Each conceded goal was carefully analyzed, from defensive breakdowns to the midfield's pressing escape routes. Coach Ikeuchi demanded his players read situations faster, especially when Palestine uses aerial crosses into the box. I noticed a high level of focus in the players' eyes. Reviewing footage is not a sign of distrust, but a way to respect the truth. Regarding the squad, U20 Vietnam received a significant blow when central defender Nguyen Le Phat could not continue. Although the reason was not officially disclosed, losing a centre-back with good game-reading ability made an already unstable defense more fragile. Currently, Dinh Quang Kiet is the most experienced defender in Ikeuchi's hands. He was a pillar at the U20 Southeast Asian championship, but against North Korea, Quang Kiet had an off day. However, in a young collective like U20 Vietnam, Quang Kiet's leadership role is undeniable. I believe he will prove his worth in the decisive match against Palestine. As for the opponent, U20 Palestine is not a stranger to Asian youth football. They have caused difficulties for many teams with their disciplined style, ready to play tough in 50-50 challenges. Their 1-2 loss to U20 Iran showed they can handle pressing, but also revealed spaces on the flanks. This is exactly what Vietnam's attackers need to exploit. The problem for coach Ikeuchi is how to balance defensive solidity and attacking sharpness. In training, he experimented with a three-centre-back formation, pushing Quang Kiet into the middle and adding a holding midfielder in front of them. Attacks mainly focused on the wings, where the speed of the wingers is considered an important weapon. The first half against Palestine will be decisive. If U20 Vietnam keeps a clean sheet in the opening 45 minutes, Palestine will be forced to push forward, leaving space for counter-attacks. I believe we should not view the upcoming match only through the result. For this generation of players, progress in style is more important than the qualification ticket. A mistake is a footnote; only silence is the sentence. U20 Vietnam's defeat to North Korea is a big footnote, but if the players choose silence, not daring to express themselves against Palestine, that would be the harsh sentence. After training, I had a brief discussion with a coaching staff member. He said the players' desire to win never dies, and keeping them "relaxed and confident" is the best way to unlock individual qualities. In one corner of the field, players played a header-catching game, a seemingly simple game but one that helps dissolve pressure. In fact, this is a very notable psychological tactic. The Japanese coach is trying to convey calmness to his students. However, Vietnam football fans remain worried about the lack of experience in defence. That worry is completely justified. The departure of Nguyen Le Phat turned Quang Kiet into a single anchor. If Quang Kiet has a poor day or gets injured, the U20 Vietnam defense has almost no Plan B. Against a Palestine team that plays aerial football well, this is a real threat. Speaking of long-term goals, Vietnamese youth football development is receiving proper attention from the VFF, but the absence of some best players in this qualifier is something managers need to consider. A strongest youth team needs the companionship of club owners. While waiting for a systemic change, the immediate solution lies in the hands of coach Ikeuchi and his players. They must create the difference through reasonable tactics and fighting spirit. The match against Palestine leaves no room for hesitation. Personally, I assess Palestine is in a similar situation as Vietnam, also needing a win to stay in touch with the top group. Therefore, the game could be tense in the first 20 minutes. The head coach needs flexible approaches. If U20 Vietnam's strikers make good use of set pieces, the chances of scoring will not be small. A set-piece plan was heavily practised on September 2, with Quang Kiet joining attacks in corners. Fans may be expecting a beautiful win, but I think a minimal 1-0 victory would suffice to restore Vietnam's confidence. In any case, the players must remember that the pressure of another loss should not fall on any individual. In youth qualifiers, matches are often turning points. That reminds us of the laws of the game, which state that one win can change everything. Fans remember the goal, but I remember the clause on ranking in the group, and it still opens a clear door for Vietnam. When a young team experiences a heavy defeat, the role of the leader is scrutinized. Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi gave responsible remarks at the press conference. He stressed the team cannot change the past result, but it can change what lies ahead. The match against Palestine is the answer. The coach also held individual meetings with key players, including the goalkeeper and two centre-backs, to strengthen morale. He said: "We still have the initiative. Fight for national pride." What makes me more reassured is that the young Vietnamese players no longer wore gloomy faces after training. They smiled more, combined faster, and most importantly, they were willing to run. Stamina is a strength of this generation. If they play scientifically and manage energy, U20 Vietnam can outrun Palestine. My biggest concern is playing with a superior mentality, leading to complacency. Young players often struggle to stay calm in decisive moments. I also wonder: does the absence of Nguyen Le Phat actually weaken Vietnam's defense significantly? If players fulfill their roles and the coaching staff's tactics are sound, the loss of one individual can be compensated by the collective. The Japanese coach used to build high-pressing play at youth clubs in Japan. He understands that to confront West Asian teams with good Physique, the best way is to maintain a team distance of about 25 meters. Training sessions are moving in that direction. In the hot weather of Tashkent, conditions may affect game tempo. The medical team has prepared hydration plans. Ikeuchi also plans to use the full five substitutions to maintain energy for key players. This detail shows he is not only thinking about a win over Palestine but also looking ahead to the final match against Iran. This is the mark of a visionary coach. Remember that at the U20 Asian Cup, teams like Palestine often cause surprises through their fighting spirit. Vietnam must counter that with patience. Long balls should only appear when there is real space. Additionally, long throw-ins, using a tall striker as a target, are also set plays the team practiced. Again, this match is an opportunity for young players to show they do not collapse after a shock. The match may pause, but the referee's responsibility does not. U20 Vietnam must take control of their own fate. Fans can wait, but players are the ones who create the difference. Palestine is not an unbeatable opponent, but only when we respect them as a strong team can the result be beautiful. I hope tonight, U20 Vietnam players sleep well, wake up with a steel mentality, and on the pitch they run tirelessly, fighting for the flag and colours. The ticket to the next round is not everything, but it is a reward for those who do not accept giving up. U20 Vietnam still has their chance, and that is reason to believe in a successful September 3.