Why U23 Vietnam Always Start Slow? Lessons from the September Friendlies

Minute 14, Thong Nhat Stadium was eerily quiet. U23 Vietnam had just conceded a second goal from a set piece — a corner from the right flank, the ball floated into the box, and our defense stood watching like statues. This was not the first time. In the last three friendlies, U23 Vietnam conceded before the 20th minute in every match. A pattern so repetitive it cannot be called bad luck. Context: The September international friendly window was the final warm-up before the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. Our opponents — U23 Thailand, U23 Iraq, and U23 Uzbekistan — all possess superior physical foundations and organization. Head coach Kim Sang-sik rotated up to 28 players across the three matches, a clear 'load-sharing' strategy. But this rotation inadvertently disrupted cohesion in the opening minutes — the period when a new lineup needs time to 'read' each other. Core analysis: The problem is not fitness or technique, but the organization of defensive set pieces. In three matches, we conceded 4 goals, all from dead-ball situations — corners, free kicks, or long throw-ins. This number reflects a systemic flaw: the communication between goalkeeper and defensive line in marking assignments. In the second goal conceded against U23 Iraq, three red-shirted players rushed to one dropping point, leaving the opposing striker unmarked at the far post. This is not an individual error — it is a failure of a coaching process not drilled thoroughly enough in training sessions. Contrarian angle: Many will say U23 Vietnam needs a taller center-back or a quicker goalkeeper. But I argue the problem lies in a 'reactive' defensive mindset — we wait for the opponent to attack and then respond, instead of proactively disrupting their intent at the source. Look at how U23 Japan handles set pieces: they don't just defend, they attack the passer, applying pressure from the first delivery. That is the difference between a 'reactive' team and a 'proactive' team. Takeaway: Can U23 Vietnam fix this in time for the qualifiers? The answer lies in whether Coach Kim Sang-sik dares to change habits — not personnel changes, but changing the psychological approach before matches. A team that starts slow is often a team that is afraid. And our biggest fear is not the opponent, but our own opening minutes.