Vietnam
Strengths: Vietnam come to this tournament with the core of the U23 team that achieved record-breaking results at AFC U23 Championship and Asian Games. In addition, coach Park Hang-Seo has called up several older players to boost the experience of the team. Fans around the country are now hungry to watch the tournament and hope the team will be crowned as champions this time.
Weaknesses: The first weakness of the team is experience. Six of the players have never earned a senior national team cap before. Furthermore, the lack of squad depth also a big problem for Korean coach.
Player to Watch – Nguyen Quang Hai
He is one of the key players in Vietnam squad. The Hanoi star is versatile and skillful player who can comfortably feature in all positions across the midfield. He has been most dangerous on the wing, where he can cut inside and score goals from range with his left foot.
Laos
Strengths: The team had good preparation for the tournament with a ten day training camp in Spain. Furthermore, the squad has played together for several years, and this should help improve their teamwork and cohesion.
Weaknesses: Honestly, Laos’ squad is weaker than Vietnam’s in many aspects. Issues with concentration in their defence are particularly worrying for them.
Player to Watch – Soukaphone Vongchiengkham
He is one of the only Laotian players who currently play abroad, as he is on the books of Thai club Sisaket. His experience will be very important for the team.
Prediction: Vietnam are the favorites for this match. If they keep their best form, they will win, and a minimum two-goal margin should be an expectation.
Tran Tien
Football Tribe Vietnam