Coach Dinh Hong Vinh not satisfied despite U23 Vietnam reaching ASIAD 2026 quarter-finals

The U23 Vietnam national team entered the 2026 Asian Games with a young and ambitious squad. Although not highly rated, coach Dinh Hong Vinh's players managed to overcome the group stage and secure a place in the quarter-finals. Their journey in Japan was not perfect as they lost 0-2 to Uzbekistan in the final group game, but the ticket to the next round remained in their hands. With four points from three matches, Vietnam finished second in Group C, one point behind Uzbekistan and one point ahead of Philippines. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh admitted that his team could have done better if they had made the most of their chances at key moments. The match at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya began with difficulties for Vietnam from the opening minutes. Uzbekistan opened the scoring in the fifth minute through a clinical finish from striker Mohammadali Urinboev. The goal came from a swift combination on the left side, catching the Vietnamese defence off guard. The early setback forced Vietnam to chase the game, but the players did not panic. They gradually regained their rhythm, enjoyed more possession and began to put pressure on the opponent's half. After a cautious first 15 minutes, coach Dinh Hong Vinh's players grew in confidence and launched purposeful attacks. Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong tested the Uzbekistan defence with a long-range effort, but it was blocked. Nguyen Ngoc My also had a chance inside the box but sent his shot inches wide of the post. The most unfortunate moment came in the 25th minute when Nguyen Thanh Nhan found the net, only for the referee to disallow it for offside. The decision was controversial as the Vietnamese players felt they had timed their runs perfectly, but the referee stood by his call. In the second half, the situation changed after Vietnam lost central midfielder Nguyen Xuan Bac to an injury sustained in the 35th minute. His absence affected the team's ability to control the tempo and switch play effectively. Vietnam's attacks became more predictable, lacking the necessary creativity in midfield. Uzbekistan also dropped deeper, reducing the space Vietnam could exploit in the final third. Despite their efforts, Vietnam could not create any significant chances. In the 68th minute, Uzbekistan sealed a 2-0 win. Ibraimov produced a skilful solo run, beating defender Pham Ly Duc before firing a powerful shot into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Cao Van Binh helpless. The goal effectively ended Vietnam's hopes of a comeback. For the remaining minutes, the Vietnamese team pushed forward in search of a consolation goal but lacked sharpness. The match ended 0-2, but because Philippines beat Kuwait 2-1 in the simultaneous fixture, Vietnam still progressed to the quarter-finals as runners-up in their group. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh explained that a cautious approach was necessary against a strong opponent like Uzbekistan. However, a moment of concentration loss in defence proved costly and disrupted his tactical plan. He stressed: "We played with more confidence after conceding and controlled most of the game. If our first-half chances had been converted, the result could have been different." He also praised his players' fighting spirit but expressed regret over the final outcome. One of the biggest issues identified by the coaching staff was finishing. After three group matches, Vietnam attempted 51 shots but only 17 were on target, scoring three goals. That ratio clearly reflected their lack of efficiency in front of goal, which could be dangerous in knockout matches. Dinh Hong Vinh added: "The team is still lacking rhythm and our attacks are not efficient. We have not exploited spaces well in the opponent's final third." However, he believes the young players will gain valuable experience and improve, especially when combining with the group that took part in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals. Tactically, the loss of Nguyen Xuan Bac significantly affected the midfield. The coach said the staff would closely monitor the condition of Xuan Bac and Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong, who also showed signs of physical issues. He stressed that the coming days would be crucial for recovery and testing alternative options. Mental preparation was also a priority, as young players often struggle under pressure when facing top-level teams. Vietnam's quarter-final opponent would be confirmed after South Korea faced Saudi Arabia in the final Group D match. If South Korea earned at least a point, they would finish first in the group and meet Group C runners-up Vietnam. If South Korea lost, Saudi Arabia could take top spot and Vietnam would face a West Asian representative instead. Regardless of the opponent, coach Dinh Hong Vinh insisted the team would be mentally ready and have a suitable game plan. Early confirmation of the rival would give the staff time to study footage and adjust tactics. South Korea are regarded as strong favourites to win the ASIAD 2026 title, bringing a quality squad with three over-age players. They also possess a generation of highly capable young players with extensive international experience. Their motivation is extraordinary, as winning the gold medal grants each player an exemption from mandatory military service under South Korean law. This factor has always driven South Korean teams to compete with great intensity at such tournaments, meaning Vietnam would face a massive challenge if the two sides meet. Nevertheless, football always contains unexpected twists. Vietnam have repeatedly shown that bravery and resilience can overcome limitations. The quarter-final will take place on September 25 at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya and promises to be an exciting contest. Dinh Hong Vinh and his staff are working hard to fix the weaknesses that were exposed, from finishing to maintaining the game's tempo. Fans from Southeast Asia are waiting for a historic performance, and Vietnam's young players have the perfect opportunity to leave their mark on the continental stage. Vietnam's group-stage performances showed clear progress in their style of play, even if the results were not entirely complete. The players were not afraid of physical battles, did not shy away from stronger opponents, and fought until the final whistle. This attitude will be vital for the decisive match. If they stay focused and improve their chance conversion, the dream of advancing further remains within reach. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh has reason to believe in his players, and Vietnamese football can once again hope for a memorable Asian Games campaign.