Yancheng – U22 Vietnam kicked off their CFA Team China 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a formidable U22 South Korea side at the Yancheng Olympic Sports Center in Jiangsu, China, this afternoon. Despite facing a physically dominant opponent boasting players from the 2023 U20 World Cup, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh’s squad showcased resilience and tactical discipline, nearly securing a victory until a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time. The match highlighted Vietnam’s potential as they gear up for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers and SEA Games 33.
Deploying a 3-4-3 formation, Coach Vinh opted for a seasoned lineup featuring goalkeeper Cao Van Binh, defenders Nguyen Nhat Minh, Tran Hieu Minh, and Nguyen Van Ha, midfielders Tran Phi Hoang, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Viktor Le, and Nguyen Hong Phuc, and forwards Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Van Truong, and Nguyen Quoc Viet. Six of these starters were key figures in Vietnam’s standout U20 Asian Championship run in 2023, bringing cohesion and experience to the pitch. Their familiarity paid off, as U22 Vietnam executed Vinh’s counterattacking strategy with precision, frustrating South Korea’s early dominance.
South Korea, with their superior physique and a quarter of their squad from the U20 World Cup, controlled the opening stages. In the 15th minute, a dangerous shot inside the box tested Cao Van Binh, but the Nghệ An native stood tall with a crucial save. Vietnam responded five minutes later with a lightning counterattack—Thanh Nhan’s stunning long-range effort slipped through the South Korean goalkeeper’s grasp, allowing Quoc Viet to tap in, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call. At the 27th minute, Xuan Bac’s foul earned him a yellow card, but South Korea’s resulting free kick sailed just over the bar, sparing Vietnam a potential setback.
The first half ended goalless, with Vietnam weathering South Korea’s pressure. Just before the break, in the 45th minute, a slick counter saw Quoc Viet and his teammates breach the Korean defense, but they couldn’t convert. The breakthrough came early in the second half. In the 51st minute, Quoc Viet’s pinpoint cross into the box forced a fumble from the South Korean goalkeeper, and Thanh Nhan pounced to slot home from close range, giving Vietnam a 1-0 lead. The goal ignited confidence, and Vietnam held firm against a resurgent South Korea.
Cao Van Binh’s heroics in goal shone through as South Korea ramped up their attack. The young keeper thwarted multiple attempts, deflating the opposition’s momentum. Yet, despite Vietnam’s grit, a late lapse proved costly. In stoppage time, Jeong Jae Sang capitalized on a quick exchange in the box to fire past Van Binh, leveling the score at 1-1. The final whistle blew moments later, leaving Vietnam with a bittersweet draw after a performance brimming with promise.
Coach Vinh praised his team’s effort but rued the late concession. “We stuck to our plan and showed character against a strong side,” he said. “The equalizer hurts, but this is a solid start.” Thanh Nhan’s goal and Van Binh’s saves underscored Vietnam’s potential, while their cohesive play offered a glimpse of their tactical maturity. Up next, U22 Vietnam faces U22 Uzbekistan on March 23, while South Korea takes on host U22 China, setting the stage for more intense battles in this competitive tournament.
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