UAE, 14 October 2025 – Despite a narrow 2-3 defeat to Qatar U23 in their second friendly match in the UAE, Vietnam U23 displayed resilience, tactical discipline, and encouraging progress as coach Dinh Hong Vinh gave valuable playing time to the entire squad before returning home on October 14.
On the night of October 13 (Vietnam time), the Vietnam U23 national team played their second friendly match against Qatar U23 as part of their ongoing training camp in the United Arab Emirates. True to the coaching staff’s plan, the match served as an opportunity to evaluate young and less-experienced players who had limited minutes in the first encounter earlier in the week.
Vietnam started the match with a refreshed lineup featuring goalkeeper Nguyen Tan, defenders Quang Kiet, Tuan Phong, and Nam Hai, midfielders Minh Phuc, Thanh Chung, Thai Son, and Thanh Dat, and an attacking trio of Long Vu, Le Phat, and Van Thuan.
The game began unfavorably for Vietnam. In the 10th minute, Qatar U23 were awarded a penalty following a defensive foul inside the box, which they converted to take a 1-0 lead. Ten minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage with a header from a corner kick, putting Vietnam on the back foot.
However, the young Vietnamese players responded admirably. In the 24th minute, Van Thuan made a clever run into the box to finish off a low cross from the right wing, reducing the deficit to 1-2 before halftime. The goal energized the team and reflected their improved coordination and confidence after the early setbacks.
In the second half, acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh made several substitutions to continue testing his squad, bringing on Bao Long, Van Ha, Ly Duc, Van Truong, Quoc Cuong, Anh Quan, Quoc Viet, and Le Viktor. Late in the first half, Vietnamese-Russian midfielder Nguyen Vadim had also replaced Le Phat, adding creativity and energy to the attack. The fresh changes helped Vietnam increase their offensive tempo and control of the game.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 68th minute when striker Nguyen Quoc Viet unleashed a stunning long-range strike to level the score at 2-2. But Qatar quickly regained the lead in the 78th minute with a sharp finish inside the box to make it 3-2. Vietnam continued to press forward in search of another equalizer, and Quoc Viet came close again in the 88th minute, but his low shot missed the target by inches.
The match ended 3-2 in favor of Qatar, yet the result did not overshadow Vietnam U23’s encouraging performance. The team showed strong mentality, improved ball movement, and the ability to adapt quickly to tactical adjustments throughout the game.
On October 14, the squad will return to Vietnam, concluding a highly productive and meaningful training camp. Over two friendlies against a strong Qatar side, every member of the team had the chance to play and gain international experience — a key part of the Vietnam Football Federation’s long-term preparation plan for the upcoming 33rd SEA Games and the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup finals.
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