U23 Vietnam entered the tournament with a young, developing squad, while Thailand fielded a strong team with high determination. Thailand's roster included players who had competed in the U23 Asian Championship and gained experience in the Thai-League. Their strength was evident in their opening match, where they drew 2-2 with host China after leading twice.

Coach Dinh Hong Vinh approached the tournament as an opportunity for young players to gain experience. He made three personnel changes from the draw against North Korea, with Hai Anh, Quoc Tu, and Anh Tuan starting in place of Quang Kiet, Minh Tuan, and Quoc Anh. The core team still relied on U23 players such as goalkeeper Cao Van Binh, Le Van Thuan, and Nguyen Cong Phuong.

Forward Thanakrit (10) scored Thailand's opening goal in the 14th second of their 1-0 victory over Vietnam in the second match of the CFA Team China Cup friendly tournament on the afternoon of 28/3. Photo: FAT

Thailand took the lead in just the 14th second. They launched an attack down the left wing and penetrated the penalty area. Forward Thanakrit bypassed two Vietnamese defenders, unleashed a powerful shot, and the ball deflected off a Vietnamese defender, changing Cao Van Binh's direction and finding the net. Besides the lone goal, Thailand dominated Vietnam, creating more one-on-one opportunities, but their shots either went wide or were saved by the Vietnamese goalkeeper.

In contrast, Vietnam's young squad, lacking extensive playing time together, showed a lack of cohesion. Their created opportunities were not sharp enough to break through Thailand's defense. The team had a few set-piece opportunities, but Thai Ba Dat's shot went wide, leading to a defeat.

Vietnamese players (in white) struggled to defend against attacks in the second match of the CFA Team China Cup friendly tournament on the afternoon of 28/3. Photo: FAT

Vietnam was invited to the U23 friendly tournament in China, the CFA Team China Cup, replacing Iran due to conflicts in the Middle East. As the tournament coincided with a FIFA Day, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh was put in charge. Coach Kim Sang-sik, meanwhile, led the Vietnam national team in friendly matches against Bangladesh and Malaysia for the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

As a friendly tournament, Vietnam did not assemble the U23 squad that recently secured third place in the U23 Asian Championship. Only four U23 players participated: goalkeepers Pham Dinh Hai, Cao Van Binh, and midfielders Nguyen Cong Phuong, Le Van Thuan. The rest of the squad comprised promising young talents such as Le Nguyen Hoang, Thai Ba Dat, Nguyen Quang Vinh, Le Dinh Long Vu, and Dinh Quang Kiet. This generation of players is also being developed to compete in the ASIAD in September.

In the final match, Vietnam will face China at 18:30 on 31/3.

U23 Vietnam starting lineup:

Goalkeeper Van Binh, Nguyen Hoang, Hai Anh, Bao Long, Thang Long, Thanh Trung, Ba Dat, Quoc Tu, Van Thuan, Anh Tuan, Cong Phuong.

Duc Dong