Vietnam U20 and the 'experience' equation: Coach Ikeuchi bets on the old guard

The regrettable failure at the 2026 U19 Southeast Asian Championship is still a fresh wound in the minds of fans. But Coach Yutaka Ikeuchi has no time for regret. He is facing a much harder problem: the Asian U20 qualifiers, where opponents are not only physically stronger but also more ruthless in tactics. In the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against North Korea U20, the Japanese tactician made remarks full of caution. He acknowledged the opponent's superior physique and stamina, while emphasizing that the team would have to rely on 'experience and existing data' for preparation. That statement, to me, is not merely a sign of respect for the opponent. It reflects a reality that we are entering a match where information preparation could be a fatal weakness. The 23-man squad registered on August 31 sends a clear signal about Ikeuchi's philosophy: safety first. The inclusion of Nguyen Le Phat and Dinh Quang Kiet, two names with senior national team experience, shows that this strategist is not afraid to use 'old heads' to guide the youth. Dinh Quang Kiet, an ASEAN Cup winner, brings solidity to the defense. Nguyen Le Phat, with his sharp tactical vision, is expected to be the conductor in midfield. I have followed many matches of Vietnamese youth teams over the years. One thing I have noticed is that Southeast Asian youth football is often obsessed with individual technique, forgetting that at the continental level, physicality and tactical discipline are the foundation. The 2026 World Cup taught me that a midfield doesn't need a hero, but a tempo-setter. And at the U20 level, an experienced tempo-setter like Nguyen Le Phat becomes even more valuable. However, betting on experience is a double-edged sword. It can create confidence, but it can also create invisible pressure. The 'revenge' or 'redemption' narrative after the SEA Championship failure could be a motivation, but it could also become a burden if things don't go smoothly. The biggest blind spot for the coaching staff, in my view, lies in the lack of detailed information about the opponent. Relying on 'existing data' is an admission of the limitations in scouting work. In a tournament where one mistake can be costly, not understanding the opponent's pressing scheme is a huge risk. I trust the pressing map more than post-match statements. And if we don't have that map, we are flying a plane without radar. North Korea U20 is not an unknown quantity. They are famous for their disciplined style, speed, and immense stamina. Iran U20, meanwhile, is also a formidable force. With a congested schedule (North Korea on Aug 28, Palestine on Sep 3, and Iran on Sep 6), physical pressure is inevitable. This is where the experience of players like Dinh Quang Kiet comes into play, not just in defense but in managing the game's tempo and emotions. A question arises: will the mix of a group of experienced players and a group of less-exposed youngsters create a 'two-tier' dynamic in the dressing room? I don't think it's a big problem, because in modern football, spaces don't appear on their own; they are forced open by the movement of the block. And a collective with individuals who understand that movement will find a common voice. There is a detail I really appreciate from the analysis: Balmont doesn't produce stars; it only reveals who is willing to run more to shine. In a youth tournament, where tactical naivety is often compensated by enthusiasm, that saying is even truer. The question isn't who the star is, but who is willing to work more for the system. The match against North Korea will be the first and harshest test. A good result will open the door, but a heavy defeat could collapse everything. I expect a disciplined performance, a proactive defensive game that knows how to exploit the opponent's mistakes. And above all, I want to see a collective that doesn't bow to physical pressure, because at this level, resilience doesn't just come from muscles, but from understanding one's role in the system.