U23 Vietnam coach: 'Our attack was not effective'

Following the conclusion of Group C at ASIAD 2026 on 22/9, coach Dinh Hong Vinh believes Vietnam could have achieved a better result if they had capitalized on their opportunities.

U23 Vietnam faced Uzbekistan, their toughest opponent in Group C, at the Paloma Mizuho stadium. The team conceded a goal in the 5th minute from a shot by Mohammadali Urinboev. Subsequently, Vietnam pressed and created several chances. First, two shots from Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong were saved by the Uzbekistan goalkeeper in the 12th minute. Three minutes later, Nguyen Thanh Nhan finished into the net but was ruled offside, before Nguyen Ngoc My's long-range shot went just wide of the post.

"We intended to start cautiously against a strong opponent. But when Uzbekistan increased their tempo, a momentary lapse in concentration led to the goal," coach Hong Vinh said at the post-match press conference. "After that, Vietnam regained confidence and controlled possession. If our early first-half chances had been converted, the game's outcome could have been different."

Coach Dinh Hong Vinh of Vietnam gives instructions during the 0-2 loss to Uzbekistan in the final match of men's football Group C at ASIAD 2026, at Paloma Mizuho stadium, Nagoya, Japan on 22/9/2026. *Hoang Ho*

Vinh acknowledged that midfielder Nguyen Xuan Bac leaving the field due to injury in the 35th minute reduced Vietnam's ability to control the tempo and transition. The team could no longer sustain pressure, gradually becoming stalemated. In the second half, Vietnam conceded another goal in the 68th minute, when Ibraimov dribbled skillfully past Pham Ly Duc, then fired a powerful shot inside the penalty area, beating goalkeeper Cao Van Binh.

Despite the 0-2 defeat, Vietnam still advanced from the group stage because the Philippines defeated Kuwait 2-1 in the concurrent match. Vietnam finished second in Group C with 4 points, 5 points behind Uzbekistan and one point ahead of the Philippines.

After three group stage matches, coach Dinh Hong Vinh was satisfied with the players' attitude and spirit. However, the three days of preparation before ASIAD 2026 meant the team lacked fluidity in their play. The ability to convert chances was also an issue, with 51 shots taken, only 17 on target, and three goals scored.

Forward Nguyen Quoc Viet (9) of Vietnam plays during the 0-2 loss to Uzbekistan in the final match of men's football Group C at ASIAD 2026, at Paloma Mizuho stadium, Nagoya, Japan on 22/9/2026. *Hoang Ho*

"We were still slow-paced. The team's attack was not effective, and we didn't exploit the final third of the opponent's field well," Vinh stated. "However, the new group of players will gain more experience and improve in the future, especially when playing alongside those who competed in the U23 Asia 2026 finals."

Vietnam will determine their quarterfinal opponent after the result of the South Korea versus Saudi Arabia match in the final round of Group D. South Korea only needs a draw to secure first place in the group and will then face Vietnam. The East Asian representative is considered a gold medal contender, having assembled their strongest squad, including three quality over-age players. Additionally, they have significant motivation, as a gold medal would exempt their players from mandatory military service under South Korean law.

Coach Dinh Hong Vinh stated that the team would mentally prepare for any opponent. He identified the immediate tasks as physical recovery and assessing the injuries of Xuan Bac and Quoc Cuong to plan for replacements.

Vietnam will play their quarterfinal match at Paloma Mizuho stadium, Nagoya on 25/9.