U23 Vietnam and the quality test before Thailand

U23 Vietnam enters the CFA Team China 2026 tournament with significant strategic implications, as this is the first training session after the AFC U23 Championship. Instead of focusing heavily on results, interim head coach Dinh Hong Vinh emphasizes that the core objective is to test personnel and refine the tactical system for the next generation of players.

1. Under the guidance of Dinh Hong Vinh, the team clearly demonstrates a youth-oriented direction with many players born between 2005-2007, aiming towards the 2026 Asian Games. The opening match against U23 North Korea is a golden opportunity for young players to showcase their abilities and prove their worth. U23 Vietnam started this match proactively. The players under coach Dinh Hong Vinh maintained confident control, playing proactively against U23 North Korea. Under the direction of coach Dinh Hong Vinh, the young players competed actively, controlled the tempo, and did not falter against a higher-rated opponent.

The turning point of the match came in the 9th minute when U23 Vietnam capitalized on a mistake by U23 North Korea's defense. The opponent's defender made an error in clearing the ball within the penalty area, creating an opportunity for forward Nguyen Minh Tam to execute a precise shot, opening the scoring. The early goal gave U23 Vietnam an advantage and boosted their morale.

After halftime, U23 Vietnam made certain tactical adjustments and maintained confidence in their game plan. At the 60th minute, coach Dinh Hong Vinh continued to make impactful personnel changes: Nguyen Minh Tam was substituted by Nguyen Dang Duong, Nguyen Vadim replaced Nguyen Cong Phuong, while Tran Thanh Trung also came off for Quach Quang Huy.

In the 68th minute, U23 Vietnam made further personnel adjustments when Le Van Thuan was replaced by Le Dinh Long Vu, while Nguyen Quang Vinh came on for Thai Ba Dat. However, just one minute later, the red-shirted team could not maintain their advantage as U23 North Korea equalized 1-1 in the 70th minute.

In the final minutes, U23 Vietnam made two more substitutions to reinforce the lineup. In the closing moments of the match, U23 North Korea continued to apply pressure, constantly attacking. However, U23 Vietnam's defense held firm, preventing any further goals, thus concluding the match with a 1-1 draw.

2. As mentioned, coach Dinh Hong Vinh stated that the Four Nations Tournament in Xi'an is an important opportunity for U23 Vietnam to assess their squad and shape their playing style for future tasks. The U23 Vietnam squad participating in this tournament in Xi'an is a calculated blend of experience and youthful potential.

Players who have already proven their mettle, such as Van Binh, Cong Phuong, or Van Thuan, are expected to be the professional backbone for their teammates. Additionally, the inclusion of players from the 21-year-old age group demonstrates the coaching staff's intention to rejuvenate the team and seek new talents.

It can be seen that with a new generation of players being prepared long-term for important future tournaments, the development process of this next-generation squad is the ultimate goal. The coaching staff hopes that through this tournament, they can build a stable framework, enhance cohesion between positions on the field, and improve coordination patterns.

Tests against quality opponents like the CFA Team China 2026 tournament serve as accurate benchmarks for the competitive spirit of young players when facing top regional football powers. Therefore, competing against quality opponents such as U23 China, U23 North Korea, and Thailand will provide valuable lessons.

These are not just ordinary friendly matches but practical tests of international competitive experience for the young faces, helping them gain more confidence when stepping onto major stages in the future.