Yancheng – U22 Vietnam delivered a resilient performance, securing a 0-0 draw against a highly rated U22 Uzbekistan in their second match of the CFA Team China 2025 friendly tournament on the evening of March 23.
Facing a Central Asian side considered stronger than U22 South Korea—whom Vietnam drew 1-1 in their opener—and featuring players with senior national team experience, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh’s squad stood tall. The result keeps Vietnam unbeaten as they prepare for their final clash against host U22 China.
From the outset, U22 Vietnam exuded confidence, matching Uzbekistan’s intensity in a balanced first half. The Vietnamese players crafted several attacking moves and took shots, but lacked the precision to trouble the Uzbek goalkeeper. Uzbekistan, after finding their rhythm, ramped up the pressure, repeatedly testing goalkeeper Cao Van Binh with dangerous forays. Vietnam’s defense, however, held firm, with Van Binh’s composure ensuring a goalless halftime scoreline despite the onslaught.
In the second half, Coach Vinh adjusted his lineup to maintain stamina, leaning on a disciplined counterattacking setup to neutralize Uzbekistan’s physical and technical edge. The tweaks paid off as Vietnam weathered sustained pressure without conceding, frustrating an Uzbek side eager to break the deadlock. The match ended 0-0, marking Vietnam’s second consecutive draw and underscoring their defensive grit against a formidable foe.
Uzbekistan, too, settled for their second straight 0-0 result, having drawn with U22 China in their opener. Elsewhere, U22 China edged U22 South Korea 1-0, propelling the hosts to the top of the standings with 3 points (one win, one draw, +1 goal difference). U22 Vietnam sits second with 2 points (two draws, 0 goal difference), ahead of U22 Uzbekistan, also on 2 points but trailing due to fewer goals scored. U22 South Korea languishes at the bottom with 1 point (one draw, one loss, -1 goal difference).
Coach Vinh praised his team’s resolve: “We faced a tough opponent and stayed competitive throughout. This draw builds our confidence.” Vietnam now faces U22 China at 6:35 p.m. on March 25 in a pivotal final match, with a chance to claim the tournament’s top spot. Fans back home are hopeful the “Young Golden Stars” can turn draws into a win to cap their Chinese campaign.
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