U23 Vietnam started ASIAD 2026 with a 1-1 draw against U23 Kuwait. This result attracted the attention of Korean media, including analysis of the performance of the red team and the absence of coach Kim Sang-sik.
According to assessments posted after the match, U23 Vietnam controlled the game better. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team maintained superior ball possession time and created many shots towards the U23 Kuwait goal.
In the first half, U23 Vietnam had 12 shots and controlled the ball about 60%. However, the handling ability in the final situations has not achieved the desired efficiency. Only 2 shots on target prevented U23 Vietnam from taking advantage to create a gap.
In the second half, U23 Vietnam continued to push up the squad to look for a goal. However, U23 Kuwait suddenly took the lead in the 78th minute after a header from Omar Al Matar.
U23 Vietnam quickly responded. Just about 2 minutes after conceding a goal, Nguyen Ngoc My headed accurately, bringing the match back to balance.
In the final minutes, U23 Vietnam continued to put pressure. Le Van Thuan had a notable opportunity when he hit the crossbar in injury time. However, the red team could not score more and accepted a 1-1 draw.
Post-match statistics show the superiority of U23 Vietnam in control and number of shots. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team controlled 63% of the ball possession and launched 27 shots, while U23 Kuwait had 10 shots.
Korean media also paid attention to Kim Sang-sik. The Korean coach did not directly lead U23 Vietnam at ASIAD 2026 because he was concentrated with the Vietnamese national team preparing for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
At ASIAD 2026, U23 Vietnam is led by coach Dinh Hong Vinh. The change of the person directly directing the team is considered one of the notable details when Korean media analyzes the performance of U23 Vietnam.
Although only winning 1 point in the opening match, U23 Vietnam still has a chance to compete for a place in the next round. In the remaining match of Group C, U23 Uzbekistan defeated U23 Philippines with a score of 5-1.
U23 Vietnam will meet U23 Philippines on September 18, before facing U23 Uzbekistan in the last match of the group stage.
