Red cards send Vietnam U23 team to big defeat against Iraq

In Vietnam’s first game under French coach Philippe Troussier, Vietnam had high expectations. They have been practicing the new playing style for the past three weeks, focusing on a high pressing and possession game.

Three weeks of preparation boosted Vietnam’s confidence, and the team entered the game feeling strong. However, a mistake in the 22nd minute was the start of their downfall. Left-back Phan Tuan Tai made a careless pass and let Nihad Muhammad gain the ball in a dangerous position. Defender Vu Tien Long had no choice but to tackle him right at the edge of the box and he received a straight red card.

Playing with 10 men put Vietnam in a tough situation as Iraq constantly attacked. Their defense could only hold up for 45 minutes when Hussein Abdullah dribbled with three defenders surrounding him before getting tackled by Luong Duy Cuong inside the box. From the penalty spot, Ali Almosawe put the ball into the left corner and opened the scoring for Iraq, although goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan guessed the right direction.

In the second half, Iraq kept up the pressure and doubled their lead in the 60th minute. Ahmed Hasan dribbled past three Vietnam players before finishing accurately with a curler. Some 25 minutes later, forward Ali Hayder sprinted down the right flank before crossing it in for Al Imari, who headed it into the empty goal.

In the remaining minutes, Vo Hoang Minh Khoa received the second yellow card and got sent out of the game, putting an end to a rough start for Vietnam in U23 Doha Cup. Their next game is against the UAE on Friday.

The 2023 U23 Doha Cup will take place from March 23-29, with the participation of 10 teams, including Vietnam, Thailand, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and host Qatar.

 

 

Red cards send Vietnam U23 team to big defeat against Iraq

U23 Việt Nam 0-3 U23 Iraq