Yancheng – Following gritty draws against U22 South Korea (1-1) and U22 Uzbekistan (0-0) at the CFA Team China 2025 tournament, Coach Dinh Hong Vinh expressed confidence in U22 Vietnam’s bid to challenge host U22 China for the title in their final match on March 25.
Sitting second in the standings with two points, Vietnam’s disciplined performances have set the stage for a decisive showdown at 6:35 p.m. against the table-topping Chinese, who hold four points. Vinh sees the clash as both a shot at glory and a test of his squad’s mettle.
Reflecting on the campaign, Vinh praised his players’ spirit and growth. “We’ve faced two strong teams with excellent fitness and skill, yet our boys showed confidence and stuck to the game plan,” he said. Against South Korea, Vietnam’s tenacity shone, troubling their opponents at times, while the Uzbekistan match showcased improved defensive organization, securing a clean sheet. “We’ve made strides, especially in defense, but we need to sharpen our finishing on counterattacks,” Vinh noted, pinpointing missed chances as an area for refinement.
Vinh lauded Uzbekistan’s quality—well-organized, physically robust, and technically adept—calling the draw a valuable lesson. “They’re a top side, and we learned a lot,” he said. “Our preparation paid off—our defense stayed tight, held their shape, and limited gaps. We had attacking moments but couldn’t convert. That’s our next focus.” The coach views these battles as critical for building resilience against Asia’s elite, a foundation for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers and SEA Games 33.
Looking ahead to U22 China, Vinh acknowledged their strength. “They’re disciplined, organized, and clinical—drawing 0-0 with Uzbekistan and beating South Korea 1-0 proves their capability,” he said. The coaching staff has studied China’s matches, plotting a tailored strategy. “We’ll analyze their style closely to optimize our approach. This game is huge—not just for the result, but for gauging our players under pressure.” A win could clinch the title, depending on goal difference, after Vietnam’s back-to-back draws.
With Thanh Nhan’s goal against South Korea and Cao Van Binh’s heroics in goal, Vietnam has momentum. Vinh’s blend of experience—like captain Nguyen Van Truong—and youth has forged a cohesive unit. As fans await the March 25 “final,” optimism brews: Vietnam could cap their Chinese stint with a trophy, solidifying their rising status.
Leave a Reply