How the U23 debut could not have been more impressive for the Vietnam National Team

15/10/2025 11:15:00 ScoreStream

The debut performances of U23 players like Hiểu Minh, Trung Kiên, and Thanh Nhàn stood out in Vietnam National Team’s hard-fought victory over Nepal on the evening of October 14th.

On the night of October 14th, Vietnam’s National Team faced Nepal again in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, securing a 1-0 win thanks to an own goal by the opposing player. In this match, the red-shirted team’s attack continued to struggle to finish. According to Footy Stats, the home team took 19 shots with only 9 on target, but all those attempts hit the crossbar or posts and went out. In the second half, when another goal was needed, Vietnam’s team played somewhat sluggishly and disconnected, luckily preventing the opponent from scoring an equalizer.

IMG_20251014_233345-2048x1283 — Vietnam National Team’s victory was not entirely convincing (Photo: VFF)

Nonetheless, one bright spot that Coach Kim Sang Sik could be pleased with was the trial of young players. Hiểu Minh and Trần Trung Kiên, making their national team debuts, delivered promising performances.

In the 5th minute, from a corner kick by Trương Tiến Anh, Hiểu Minh made a sharp header that forced the opposing player to score an own goal. In the following minutes, the PVF-CAND player showed great energy and fulfilled his defensive duties well. Meanwhile, Trần Trung Kiên impressed with his timely interventions and confident clearances during the second half.

IMG_20251014_233617-2048x1411 — Hiểu Minh made a mark in his Vietnam National Team debut (Photo: VFF)

Up front, striker Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn also made his first start for the Vietnam National Team (he had previously debuted under Coach Troussier). The 2003-born player played with intensity and speed, always becoming a focal point whenever he had the ball. In the second half, Coach Kim introduced Văn Khang and Đình Bắc, both of whom performed their tasks effectively.

After the match, the Korean strategist expressed satisfaction with the young players’ performances: "Today, U23 players like Hiểu Minh, Thanh Nhàn, and Trung Kiên got playing time. I don’t see this as a ‘reward’ but as the result of healthy competition during training. The presence of young players has increased competition within the team, helping the squad execute their tactics better.”

560245604_1947856285777086_5009291235680085271_n — Trung Kiên (center) received praise from Coach Kim Sang Sik in his debut match (Photo: FBNV)

"Hiểu Minh performed well, and Trung Kiên did too. In the second half, Văn Khang and Đình Bắc came on and played steadily. I commend the spirit and form of this group of U23 players.”, he added.

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