U20 Vietnam shake off sorrow, determined to beat Palestine to keep hopes alive

This afternoon on the training pitch, the laughter of young U20 Vietnam players echoed under the scorching sun. Just three days ago, they hung their heads as they left the pitch after a 0-3 loss to North Korea. But football does not allow people to live in the past forever. Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi said: "It's not over yet." And indeed, the door is still open, even if only a narrow crack. The loss to North Korea was a shock to the fans. No one expected such a heavy defeat, especially when the team had prepared thoroughly. But football is like that; it never follows the script. What matters is how the team reacts. And from what I have observed in recent training sessions, the players have set aside their sorrow, replaced by high focus and determination. Current context: U20 Vietnam are in Group C of the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers. After the first round, North Korea lead with 3 points, Iran have 3 points after beating Palestine 2-1, while Vietnam and Palestine have no points. The match between Vietnam and Palestine tomorrow (September 3) becomes a do-or-die battle. Win, and hope remains; lose, and everything is almost over. The U20 Vietnam team does not have the strongest squad. Nguyen Le Phat, a key defender, had to leave the team for personal reasons. His absence leaves a big gap. Currently, Dinh Quang Kiet is the most experienced player, considered the most reliable anchor in defense. Despite his poor performance against North Korea, his role remains irreplaceable. Relying on a single player is a risk, but in this situation, it is all they have. Tactically, after the loss, the coaching staff has reinforced tactical drills, especially in defense and transition. Palestine is not a too strong opponent; they also just lost 1-2 to Iran. This match could be a tight, low-scoring affair. Vietnam needs to play compactly, minimize mistakes, and capitalize on set-pieces or quick counter-attacks. This is where composure and patience come to the fore. I once wrote: "The score is lifeless. Behind every goal is a breathing life." For these young players, the match against Palestine is not just 90 minutes on the pitch, but a story of self-respect, of the desire to prove their worth. They know the fans are disappointed, and they want to make amends with a worthy performance. A counter-intuitive perspective: Many think the 0-3 loss to North Korea is a disaster, but in fact it could be a necessary lesson. It helped the coaching staff identify weaknesses, and helped the players understand that at the continental level, there is no room for complacency. If they learn from it, that defeat could become a stepping stone for future victories. The key is not to repeat the same mistakes. Moreover, the absence of some key players could be an opportunity for other young talents to shine. Football always has miraculous stories, and who knows, a substitute might become the hero in this match. Look at history, many stars were born from the most difficult circumstances. However, the pressure to win can also be a double-edged sword. If the players are too tense, they cannot play to their full potential. Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi has cleverly built a relaxed atmosphere, letting players play games during training to relieve psychological pressure. This is a subtle tactic, because when the mind is at ease, the feet become more agile. I have followed Vietnamese youth football for many years, and I notice that this generation has potential, but they need time and patience. The match against Palestine is not only about deciding the ticket to advance, but also a test of mental strength. If they overcome the pressure, they will grow a lot. Last night, I sat writing in my small room in Hamburg, thinking about the young players half a world away. They are fighting for their national colors, for national pride. Football does not need a big stadium; it only needs a heart that knows desire. And I believe that, regardless of the result, they have learned how to get up after defeat – something more precious than any victory. The match against Palestine will be a milestone. Let us wait and see whether these young men can write their own fairy tale. Because, as I once said: "Every shot is an unfinished poem; every save is an ellipsis that fate deliberately leaves open." And tonight, they will step onto the pitch with everything they have.