On the afternoon of September 22, U23 Vietnam suffered a 0-2 defeat to U23 Uzbekistan. In the match at the same time, U23 Philippines defeated U23 Kuwait with a score of 2-1. This result was enough to help U23 Vietnam reach the quarter-finals of ASIAD 20 as the second team in Group C.
After the match with U23 Uzbekistan, coach Dinh Hong Vinh highly appreciated the opponent's strength, and was satisfied with the fighting spirit of U23 Vietnam. This coach affirmed that the team will prepare best for the quarter-finals, regardless of whether the opponent is U23 Korea or U23 Saudi Arabia.
Opening the press conference, coach Dinh Hong Vinh sent congratulations to U23 Uzbekistan after this team won all matches in the group stage. According to him, the opponent almost kept the same force that participated in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals, and at the same time had uniformity and good preparation.
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh said that the coaching staff had asked the players to enter the game cautiously against a strong opponent. However, U23 Uzbekistan pushed up the pace, causing U23 Vietnam to concede an early goal.
After conceding a goal, U23 Vietnam played confidently again, controlling the ball. But Xuan Bac suffered an injury that reduced his ability to control the tempo and change positions. In the first half, we created opportunities. If there was an equalizing goal, the situation might have been different in the second half," he said.
Assessing the group stage journey, coach Dinh Hong Vinh said that he is satisfied with the attitude and fighting spirit of the players, in the context that U23 Vietnam has a short preparation time and the force is supplemented alternately between players who have participated in the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals and new factors.
However, he also pointed out the points that U23 Vietnam needs to improve before the quarter-finals.
The playing style is sometimes slow, the ability to exploit attack in the last 1/3 of the field is something I am not satisfied with," coach Dinh Hong Vinh commented.
Besides professional issues, the weather in Nagoya in recent days has also somewhat affected the fitness of U23 Vietnam.
From September 13th to now, the weather has been too hot. There is a slight impact on fitness. After this match, we must recover well to regain fitness for the quarter-finals," coach Dinh Hong Vinh shared.
In the quarter-finals, U23 Vietnam may meet U23 Korea or U23 Saudi Arabia, the two teams competing for the top spot in Group D. Before the question about the next opponent, coach Dinh Hong Vinh said that the whole team needs to prepare for all possibilities.
No matter which opponent we meet, we must prepare mentally to enter the quarter-finals," he emphasized.
Coach Dinh Hong Vinh also positively assessed the efforts of the players in the group stage journey, especially in the context that many players of the U23 generation have been promoted to the national team.
As a professional coach, no matter what force, when taking responsibility for the team, I am satisfied. After 3 matches, I appreciate the efforts of all players. The new force will also make progress in the future," he shared.
Regarding personnel situation, U23 Vietnam has made changes through each match when Xuan Bac and Quoc Cuong were injured. The coaching staff will assess the physical condition of the players after the match against U23 Uzbekistan to come up with appropriate personnel plans for the quarter-finals.
