Vietnam U20 lead then lose 1-3 to Iran U20: Lessons from set pieces

Vietnam U20 took the lead in the 41st minute through captain Nguyen Quoc Khanh, who finished a quick combination play after recovering the ball from a corner. It was the best moment for the young Vietnamese side, which looked braver and more organized than expected against a physically superior Iran U20. However, the second half exposed a completely different picture. Iran equalized from a throw-in situation when Maali scored inside the box. Ho Hong Phong then conceded a penalty, calmly converted by Beheshti. A second penalty, after Le Kha Duc fouled from behind, sealed the final 3-1 result. Goalkeeper Xuan Tin made several key saves but could not stop the spot kicks. The match highlighted Vietnam's vulnerability to set pieces and long throws, while also showing their lack of accuracy in wide crosses from Duc Vu. The team relied heavily on Xuan Tin and lost focus after Iran's first goal. The loss is a useful lesson for the coaching staff: defending dead-ball situations and keeping team shape after taking the lead must be fixed before the next U20 Asian qualifying rounds.