Bangladesh went into the break trailing 1-0 against hosts Vietnam in their opening AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifier after a difficult first half where the home side dominated from the outset.
Vietnam started the game with intensity, immediately looking sharp on the ball and targeting the wings as their main attacking route. Their early pressure was rewarded in the 15th minute when Nguyen Van Truong played a clever through ball to Nguyen Ngoc My. The forward controlled it well, used his pace to beat the Bangladesh defence and finished calmly to give Vietnam the lead.
From there, the hosts took full control of possession. They moved the ball with confidence, switching play between short passes, long balls and quick positional rotations that repeatedly left Bangladesh’s defenders struggling. Vietnam’s pressing game and high defensive line gave Bangladesh no room to breathe or build their rhythm.
Whenever Bangladesh tried to press high, Vietnam responded with sharp balls in behind that continually threatened the defence. Starting in a 4-3-3, Vietnam shifted into a 3-4-3 shape while in possession, packing the midfield and making it harder for Bangladesh to compete. Their physical superiority in duels and pressing system exposed the visitors’ weaknesses across the pitch.
Bangladesh created two chances against the run of play. In the 35th minute, Morsalin had an effort on goal but his shot lacked power and was easily saved. Six minutes later, he delivered a good ball to Alamin, who also failed to trouble the goalkeeper with a weak attempt. Left-back Zayan Ahmed showed glimpses of promise with a couple of strong runs and drives forward, but it was not enough to inspire an equaliser.
In the latter stages of the half, Bangladesh tried to push back by shifting the ball from side to side in search of openings. However, Vietnam’s compact defending denied them clear opportunities. Bangladesh’s biggest weakness was in midfield, where they lost control of the game. Vietnam’s physical strength and quick movement made the Bangladeshi midfield look fragile and inexperienced in comparison.
The hosts almost doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time, but a Bangladesh defender blocked the attempt. The half ended 1-0 in favour of Vietnam, leaving Bangladesh in need of adjustments. Coach Saiful Bari Titu’s side will need to strengthen their midfield, bring more men into central areas and find composure against Vietnam’s relentless press if they are to turn the match around in the second half.
