Chinese Media: 'Vietnam Only Uses U21 for Friendly Matches, Focusing Directly on ASIAD'

Chinese media suggest that Vietnam's U23 side refrained from playing their best team at the Xi'an Four Nations Tournament, opting to send the national U21 team to support their extended preparation for ASIAD 2026.

Recently, Chinese media have paid special attention to the international friendly tournament held in Xi'an at the end of March, considering it an important “strength test” for Asian youth teams ahead of ASIAD 2026. According to Sohu, the tournament features four teams: host U23 China, U23 Thailand, U23 Uzbekistan, and U23 Vietnam.

Sohu reported, Vietnam’s U23 team will not participate with their strongest squad; instead, they will send the national U21 team to this tournament. Chinese media view this move as a strategic step, reflecting Vietnam football’s long-term vision rather than focusing on short-term results.

According to Sohu’s analysis, the current Vietnamese U21 players will reach their peak performance age just in time for ASIAD 2026. Sending the U21 team to compete directly against top U23 teams from Asia such as China, Thailand, and Uzbekistan is seen as an ideal test, helping young Vietnamese players gain experience, international match temperament, and early pressure resistance.

Meanwhile, the other three teams bring nearly full U23 squads to Xi'an, treating the friendly tournament as a final rehearsal for their immediate goals. Sohu notes that the age gap adds professional value to the matches, especially for Vietnam’s U21 team, which is considered “at a physical disadvantage but rich in organization and team spirit.”

The Chinese newspaper also emphasized that although Vietnam is not using its strongest U23 lineup, it remains a tough opponent. The impressive performances of Vietnam’s youth teams in recent Asian competitions led Sohu to warn that U23 China should not underestimate the “younger but more disciplined squad.”

Sohu concluded that the Xi'an friendly tournament is not only a platform for testing lineups but also clearly reflects the different approaches among football nations. For Vietnam, using the U21 team to prepare for ASIAD 2026 demonstrates a sustainable investment strategy, laying the foundation for long-term success rather than short-lived victories.