Vietnam U23 vs Uzbekistan U23 — Tips & Analysis

Under 2.25: Neither side needs goals to get what it wants here. Vietnam need one point to reach the quarter-finals. Uzbekistan lead the group on six points, so a tie tops it for them too. Nobody has to chase, and that normally means a careful game played at walking pace. These are also the two best defences in the group. Vietnam have let in less than a goal a game across their last 15, and they have lost only once in that run, winning 12 and tying 2. Uzbekistan are just as hard to score against, letting in under a goal a game across their last 16. Uzbekistan lose their main goal threat here too. Fayzullayev is suspended after starting both group games and scoring, and they are expected to keep changing their side around. Two tight defences plus two happy teams is how a game dries up. Only 7 of Vietnam's last 15 games have had 3 or more goals. A 1-1 is the most likely finish, with a goal each from a set piece or a quick break. The warning is that Uzbekistan can score when they choose to. They put seven goals past their first two group opponents. If Vietnam decide winning the group is worth going after, this opens up fast. We still want the quiet game.